City of Santa Monica Community Access & Participation Grant Program

The City of Santa Monica has opened applications for the 2024-25 Community Access & Participation (CAP) grant program. This initiative aims to support nonprofit arts and culture organizations based in Santa Monica by enhancing access to high-quality arts and cultural programs for both residents and visitors. The grant program is designed to foster community engagement and participation in the arts, thereby enriching the cultural landscape of Santa Monica. The primary purpose of the CAP grant program is to provide funding that enables local organizations to offer programs that increase access to arts and culture. The objectives include promoting high-quality artistic experiences and ensuring that these opportunities are available to a broad audience within the community. The grant period is set from January 1, 2025, to June 30, 2025, during which funded programs must take place. Funding for the CAP grant program will range from $3,000 to $6,000 per award. The grants are intended to cover costs associated with programs that provide access to arts and cultural activities within Santa Monica. Eligible projects must be designed to serve the local community, ensuring that all activities funded by the grant are accessible to Santa Monica residents and visitors. To be eligible for the CAP grant, applicants must be nonprofit arts or cultural organizations that have their primary administrative office within the city limits of Santa Monica. Additionally, organizations must maintain tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service. Compliance with Fair Labor Standards and civil rights laws is also required, ensuring that no discrimination occurs in hiring or service provision based on various protected characteristics. Submission requirements for the grant include a detailed proposal outlining the intended programs and their expected impact on community access to the arts. Applicants will need to demonstrate how their projects align with the goals of the CAP program. The evaluation criteria will focus on the quality of the proposed programs, their accessibility, and their potential to engage the community. The application deadline for the CAP grant is October 16, 2024. Interested organizations are encouraged to prepare their proposals in advance to ensure timely submission. For further information, applicants can contact the City of Santa Monica's cultural affairs office via email or phone. This grant program represents a valuable opportunity for local organizations to enhance their offerings and contribute to the vibrant arts scene in Santa Monica.