Norwich - Since last month's announcement that the Norwich Arts Center could close by May 1, agency leaders have been trying to rejuvenate the 27-year-old downtown institution.

The efforts coincide with plans by the Sachem Fund Committee to launch a round of grant allocations this spring. Applications for Sachem Fund grants are due by May 2 and grant decisions will be made by June 1, in time for the City Council to vote on the recommendations five days later.

The city and the Mohegan tribe established the Sachem Fund to finance arts, cultural events and economic development projects. Its balance sits at $171,452. Because of the recession, the tribe and city have cut their allocations to the fund, and the committee has been dormant for several months.

Sachem Fund Committee members, wary of the Norwich Arts Center's financial difficulties, said Wednesday they are looking to fund applications from groups with likelihood for long-term success. Without naming specific agencies, committee member Mark Brown said he would not want to spend money on a program "just to keep it alive." Others agreed and said they want each applicant to show its specific benefit to the community.

The arts center's March concert was a success, and the center has a fundraiser magic show on Thursday. Income from those events likely will allow the lights to stay on beyond May 1, volunteer Karen Beasley said.

The center is working on securing rental income for its three-story building at 60-62 Broadway and a business plan.

"We will have a viable plan and an application ready for the Sachem Fund," NAC President Peter Leibert said Thursday.

The arts center has received numerous calls and e-mails in recent weeks, and the organization will host a Chelsea Arts District "rejuvenation" meeting at City Hall March 29 at 7 p.m. to solicit ideas and recruit volunteers to support the entire downtown arts district, including the Norwich Arts Center.

Mayor Peter Nystrom, a member of the Sachem Fund Committee, asked the committee Wednesday to consider the arts center's "on an equal basis" with other proposals.

He said he felt awkward advocating for one potential applicant, but he said he promised to speak on the NAC's behalf as a long-standing downtown organization.

Sachem Fund Committee Chairman William Nash said the committee would not announce how much of its remaining funds would be awarded in the coming grant cycle.

Sachem Fund applications are due by 4:30 p.m. May 2 at the finance department at City Hall. The Sachem Find Committee will meet May 11 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall to hear applicants' presentations.

c.bessette@theday.com