Develop Quick Grants

The Develop Quick Grant program is offered by Arts Council Santa Cruz County to support individual artists and nonprofit arts organizations with funding for professional development. The grant provides up to $1,000 for activities that enhance artistic skills or build business and organizational capacity. Unlike other grant types, Develop grants do not require a public presentation or exhibition, making them highly accessible and tailored for growth-focused work. The program operates on a rolling basis from September 3, 2025, through May 26, 2026, with applications reviewed monthly. Applicants must submit by the last Tuesday of each month to be considered for awards issued by the end of the following month. There is one exception: no awards are made in December due to the holidays. All funded activities must occur within one year of the award date. Applicants must reside or operate primarily in Santa Cruz County. Individual artists and nonprofit arts organizations, including current Support grantees, are eligible. However, applicants who have previously received a Develop grant must wait one full year before reapplying. Additional eligibility restrictions include disqualifying expenses such as tuition, pre-award activities, culinary or healing arts, capital improvements, and programs affiliated with universities, political, religious, or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on three key criteria: Artistic Commitment, Impact on the Artist/Organization, and Management & Planning. Submissions must include a narrative, budget, and up to three work samples or supporting documents. Further consideration is given to applicants residing or operating in neighborhoods identified as high-need using the California Healthy Places Index. Grant funds are not transferable, and any unused or misused funds must be returned. Final reports, including receipts and documentation, are due within 30 days of completing the funded activities. Grantees must credit the Arts Council in all promotional materials. Assistance with the application is available through drop-in Zoom office hours or by contacting the program manager directly. For questions or support, applicants should contact Tamara Liu, Grants Program Manager, at grantsprogram@artscouncilsc.org.

Focus on artistic growth and specific goals. Use publicly accessible links for video/audio samples. Plan submission before the last Tuesday deadline to avoid technical delays.