The San José Office of Cultural Affairs' Operating Grant (OpG) Program supports nonprofit arts and cultural organizations that contribute to the city's cultural vitality. Grants provide unrestricted financial assistance to organizations offering diverse artistic programming and promoting community engagement. The 2025-2026 application period closes on February 21, 2025, at 4:59 PM PST, and applicants are required to attend or view a recording of the pre-application workshop scheduled for December 11, 2024.
Eligible applicants must be San José-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with at least $50,000 in annual cash operating expenditures for the past three years. They must demonstrate a mission focused on the arts or allocate at least one-third of their budget to arts programming. Organizations are also required to maintain good standing with the IRS, comply with accessibility laws, and meet specific operational standards, including employing full-time staff and conducting annual financial reviews or audits.
Grant amounts are determined through a reference calculation based on the applicant’s average operating expenses and adjusted by a review panel’s evaluation. Successful applications will reflect strong artistic quality, operational effectiveness, community engagement, and economic impact. Projects must prioritize public accessibility and provide evidence of their contributions to San José’s cultural landscape.
Applicants must submit detailed financial documents, including a Cultural Data Profile (CDP) report covering the past three fiscal years. Proposals should outline programming plans, demonstrate inclusivity, and highlight their ability to sustain a vibrant local arts community. All materials are submitted through the WebGrants portal, and applicants are encouraged to apply early to address any technical issues.
Grant recipients must comply with city requirements, including maintaining a business tax certificate and adequate insurance coverage. Reports on grant use are due within 60 days of the fiscal year-end, and recipients must acknowledge the city’s support in promotional materials. This grant opportunity is designed for organizations committed to enriching San José’s cultural offerings through innovative and community-driven arts programming.
