Gateway Playhouse gets $10K recovery grant

The Gateway Playhouse, one of Long Island’s longest running venues for live theatrical performances, has received a $10,000 small business relief grant.

The grant, from the Home Loan Bank of New York, was administered through Suffolk Federal Credit Union in its effort to aid nonprofit organizations impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Suffolk Federal has been supporting local Main Street businesses via the Small Business Recovery Grant program.

Located in Bellport, Gateway Playhouse, officially known as the Gateway Performing Arts Center of Suffolk County, has been presenting live theater since its inception in 1950.

Funds granted to the Gateway Playhouse may be used for personnel costs, payment on new or existing debt as well working capital for items including rent, inventory, utilities, and legal and financial services, according to an Suffolk Federal statement. The donation may also be used for updated safety equipment procedures and protocols in order to comply with public health measures, including socially-distanced and remote work environments.

Businesses receiving the grant must either be currently operational, still supporting employees while temporarily closed for business or requiring the grant funds in order to resume operations again.

“We are going through such a difficult and unpredictable time.  At one point we thought we could delay our season by a month, but now we have had to push our entire Broadway series to May 2021,” Paul Allen, Gateway’s executive artistic director, said in the statement. “With our main source of revenue completely gone, this generous grant from Suffolk Federal will help keep us going until we are able to resume normal operations.”