Arts Impact Grants

The Arts Impact Grants for Organizations (AIGO) program is designed to provide general operating support to creative and cultural nonprofits in Sonoma County, California. This funding initiative reflects a commitment to sustaining the local arts ecosystem and recognizing the arts as a key contributor to social cohesion. The 2026 grant cycle is jointly funded by the County of Sonoma and the California Arts Council. A total of 45 grants of $4,000 each will be awarded, with funding to be applied over a 12-month period from January 1 to December 31, 2026. Eligible applicants must be California-based nonprofit organizations with a physical presence in Sonoma County. Qualifying organizations must have at least three years of consistent arts and culture programming prior to the application deadline. Museums and culturally specific nonprofits that offer arts or culture-related services are eligible, provided they are registered 501(c)(3) organizations. Programming experience that predates formal nonprofit status may be counted. New applicants must be registered in the California Registry of Charitable Trusts. Fiscal sponsorship arrangements, schools, school-affiliated foundations, municipalities, and county departments are ineligible. The application window opens on August 20, 2025, and closes at 11:59 PM on October 1, 2025. Award notifications will be made in November 2025. Final reporting is required via a survey, due January 31, 2027. Applications must be submitted online via the Submittable platform; paper or handwritten applications are not accepted. Applicants must create or use an existing Submittable account to apply. Grant evaluations will assess artistic excellence, participant engagement, and commitment to equitable access. Applicants must indicate which of three impact areas best describe their programming focus: Countywide Impact, Neighborhood Impact, or Youth Impact. An optional fourth area, Environmental Sustainability Impact, allows applicants to demonstrate how their programming contributes to local awareness of climate and ecological issues. All applicants are encouraged to review the Application Packet, which includes detailed eligibility requirements, program restrictions, and application questions. For assistance, applicants may contact the program at CreativeSonoma@sonomacounty.gov or call 1-707-565-6121.

Review eligibility and application packet before submission. Choose a relevant impact area and ensure programming reflects long-standing community arts engagement.