Cultural Participation and Community Engagement Grant

The 2025-2026 take pART: Cultural Participation and Community Engagement Grants program, administered by the San José Office of Cultural Affairs, provides funding for arts activities that promote public engagement, cultural diversity, and community enrichment. Applications are due by 4:59 PM PST on January 24, 2025, and interested applicants must attend or view the recording of the required pre-application workshop, scheduled for December 4, 2024, from 12:00 to 1:00 PM via Zoom. Eligible applicants include San José-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, small artist-centered groups, or individuals with a fiscal sponsor. Organizations must have a minimum one-year history of providing arts programs within the city and propose projects with expenses of at least $5,000, to be conducted between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. Funding is restricted to arts activities and excludes fundraisers, religious messaging, or political advocacy. Groups applying for Operating Grants or Festival, Parade, and Celebration Grants are not eligible to apply. Grants range from $2,500 to $25,000, but requests cannot exceed 25% of the applicant’s prior year operating budget or 50% of the project’s cost. For small groups with budgets under $50,000, grant requests are capped at $15,000 or 50% of project costs, whichever is lower. Recipients must match grant funds with other resources, including in-kind contributions, which can account for up to 25% of the total project cost. The program emphasizes community participation, cultural pluralism, and the public value of the arts. Projects are evaluated on quality, community impact, organizational capacity, and budget appropriateness. Applications must demonstrate artistic excellence, community engagement, and alignment with San José’s diverse cultural goals. A minimum score of 65 points is required for funding consideration, though funding is competitive and not guaranteed for all qualified applications. Applicants must submit proposals via the WebGrants portal, including a detailed narrative, budget, and supporting materials such as brochures or press articles. Successful applicants are required to comply with reporting, insurance, and business tax certificate requirements. Funding disbursement may begin as late as October 2025 due to the city’s processing timeline. The take pART program encourages initiatives that increase public access to arts and cultural activities, particularly those serving economically disadvantaged or underrepresented communities. This opportunity is well-suited for organizations committed to using the arts as a tool for community connection and cultural expression.