Everything to Know About the CAFE Tax Credit Award
Courtesy of M+S Architects
We’ve been awarded a $43.3 million tax credit award from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority's Cultural and Arts Facilities Expansion (CAFE) program! This marks the exciting next chapter of making the vision for the Rialto a reality. Getting to this point was a labor of love, community, and collaboration. With this tax credit award, we have a jumping-off point for further fundraising that will lay the foundation for construction to begin in 2027 and opening in 2029. Now that we’ve been awarded our CAFE tax credit award, it’s time to dive a little deeper into what it is, who it is for, and what it means for the future of the Rialto.
About the CAFE Program
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) launched the Cultural and Arts Facilities Expansion (CAFE) Program in 2025 to support the arts and creativity in New Jersey by providing tax credit awards to arts centers, museums, and other facilities dedicated to creativity. With the support of these tax credit awards, creative institutions can develop and rehabilitate their spaces, leading to increased economic development, tourism, and creative engagement that benefits all. You can learn more about the CAFE Program here.
When we learned about the CAFE Program, we knew that the Rialto would be a perfect fit. We underwent a rigorous application period, which included a comprehensive proposal of our plans and budget. Applicants were judged by a panel of expert reviewers on many different criteria, including economic and social impact, advancement of culture and arts, contributions to local development goals, affordability, accessibility, and feasibility. The CAFE panel reviews every application in great detail, ensuring that projects are a good fit for this program and have the funds necessary to make an impact on the creative landscape of our neighborhood.
Since the creation of the CAFE Program, numerous creative facilities across the state have received funding, such as:
Liberty Science Center
Mayo Performing Arts Center
New Jersey Symphony
Montclair Public Library
Rialto Center for Creativity
Paper Mill Playhouse
These are just a few examples of the major cultural projects funded through the CAFE Program. After months of a rigorous review process, the Rialto is honored to be the newest addition to the list!
Now what?
The Rialto received $43.3M in tax credits from the CAFE Program. These credits will be used to cover the cost of reconstruction and early operational costs. However, winning this award is not the end of our fundraising road. It’s just the beginning, and we need your help.
The final phase of fundraising is here. We’re raising $10 million through the Rialto Reimagined campaign to cover the final costs of construction and initial operation. This goal is a continuation of the $5 million gift we received, the CAFE tax credit award, and other early contributions.
We’re so grateful for the community’s support on this project. Together, we can make this vision a reality: creating a gathering place and creative space for distinctive live performances, hands-on learning, and cultural conversations. You can donate to the Rialto here or email campaign@rialtowestfield.org to discuss naming opportunities, sponsorships, and partnerships..