Arts Impact Endowment

The Arts Impact Endowment (AIE), established by the San Francisco Arts Commission (SFAC), is a grant and endowment program designed to support small and mid-sized organizations and individual artists deeply connected to historically marginalized communities within San Francisco, California. The program's core mission, aligned with SFAC's broader strategic priorities, is to prevent artist and arts worker displacement, ensuring that San Francisco remains a vibrant hub for artistic expression. This initiative directly stems from the 2024-2029 Cultural Services Allocation Plan (CSAP), which places a singular focus on "Keeping Artists in San Francisco" as its overarching theme. SFAC's theory of change posits that by investing in artists' work, working environments, community connections, and supporting ecosystems, the city can achieve racial equity and social justice within the arts sector, ultimately benefiting the entire San Francisco community. The AIE primarily targets San Francisco-based artists and arts organizations. Individual artists can receive up to $50,000, while organizations can receive up to $100,000 over a 25-month/2-year period. The program specifically seeks to benefit artists and arts workers who are at risk of displacement, fostering an environment where they can thrive and continue to contribute to the city's cultural landscape. Impact goals include sustaining ongoing artistic initiatives, promoting resilience and growth within the arts community, and fostering new creative opportunities. Projects must demonstrate a clear public benefit, being open and accessible to the general San Francisco-based public, whether through virtual or in-person events. The program's priorities and focuses are strongly rooted in racial equity and social justice, serving as the primary lens for all program design and implementation. It supports three broad funding channels: Sustaining Ongoing Initiatives, Resilience & Growth, and New Creative Opportunities, all interconnected by the central theme of "Keeping Artists in San Francisco." Applicants are required to select one primary funding channel for their proposed projects. Eligibility criteria for artists include being at least 18 years old and having a fiscal sponsor if working with minors, seniors, or people with disabilities, or if previously employed by the City & County. Organizations must be a 501c3 or fiscally sponsored by a San Francisco 501c3, with annual operating revenue under $2,000,000, and a mission statement focused on the development, production, presentation, or support of artistic works and/or youth arts activities in San Francisco. Expected outcomes include a strengthened and more stable arts community in San Francisco, with a reduced rate of artist and arts worker displacement. Measurable results will be tied to the number of artists and organizations funded, the scope and reach of public benefit projects, and the demonstrable impact on the sustainability and growth of artistic endeavors within historically marginalized communities. The grant duration is generally three years, with specific project activities and public benefits expected to occur between July 1, 2025, and July 31, 2027. This long-term commitment reflects SFAC's strategic approach to creating lasting positive change and fostering a resilient arts ecosystem that serves all of San Francisco's diverse communities.