Arts Impact Endowment
This funding opportunity supports small and mid-sized organizations and individual artists in San Francisco who are connected to historically marginalized communities, helping them sustain their work and remain in the city.
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.
Award Range
Not specified - $100,000
Total Program Funding
Not specified
Number of Awards
Not specified
Matching Requirement
No
Eligible Applicants
Additional Requirements
Artists Artist Applicants Must: • Be at least 18 years old. • Have a fiscal sponsor IF they are: o Working with minors under 18 years old o Working with seniors over 65 years old o Working with people with disabilities o Were employed by the City & County in the past, including the San Francisco Unified School District and San Francisco City College • Artist Applicants may be Sole Proprietors or LLCs with a budget cap of $500,000. Artist Applicants Must NOT: • Be a full-time student • Be a City employee • Apply on behalf of an organization Organizations Organization Applicants Must: • Be a 501c3 filing a 990PC or Fiscally Sponsored by a San Francisco 501c3 in good standing with: o The IRS https://apps.irs.gov/app/eos/ o The California Franchise Tax Board https://webapp.ftb.ca.gov/eletter/?Submit=Check+Status o The California Attorney General’s Registration of Charitable Trusts https://rct.doj.ca.gov/Verification/Web/Search.aspx?facility=Y o The California Secretary of State https://bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov/search/business Organization’s that receive grants must remain in good standing during the term of the agreement. • Have annual operating revenue under $2,000,000. Organizations that exceed the $2,000,000 budget cap due to re-granting must verify their operational budget without pass-through funds at the time of application. Applicants must upload audited financials from the most recently completed fiscal year demonstrating the dollar amount of pass-through funds. • Provide a submitted and signed copy of Federal Form 990 for a tax year ending on or after December 31, 2022. A submitted Federal Form 990, 990-EZ or 990-N is required of all applicants. • Applicants with budgets under $50,000 should submit a copy of their most recently submitted 990- N and Profit and Loss Statements and Balance Sheets for the two most recently completed fiscal years. • Have a mission statement clearly focused on the development, production, presentation, and/or support of project-based artistic works and/or youth arts activities in San Francisco.
Geographic Eligibility
San Francisco
Application Opens
September 17, 2024
Application Closes
November 13, 2024
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