City of San Diego Organizational Support Program

The Organizational Support Program is administered by the City of San Diego’s Division of Cultural Affairs within the Economic Development Department. This division plays a central role in investing in San Diego’s arts and cultural ecosystem and enhancing the city’s creative economy. Through this program, the city advances its goals of equitable access to arts, community enrichment, and cultural tourism. Funding is derived from the city’s Transient Occupancy Tax, which is earmarked to strengthen arts and culture, enhance tourism, and build vibrant neighborhoods. The Organizational Support Program provides general operating support to tax-exempt nonprofit arts and culture organizations that are headquartered and deliver activities within the City of San Diego. Funding supports a broad array of organizational functions such as artistic programming, administration, and community engagement initiatives that align with the goals of the city’s TOT policy. Organizations must have a clear mission centered on arts and cultural programming and must demonstrate a history of operations spanning at least two consecutive years under independent governance. To be eligible, organizations must be registered as 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) nonprofits, provide public benefit through open access or meaningful engagement components, and align with the goals of the TOT policy, which include enhancing the creative economy and access to the arts. Organizations must be headquartered within city limits and are required to provide at least one free cultural activity at a San Diego Public Library if awarded $25,000 or more. Ineligible entities include educational institutions, government agencies, grantmaking bodies, and those applying under another TOT category. The application process is conducted in two parts. Part 1 evaluates eligibility and organizational capacity. If deemed qualified, applicants proceed to Part 2, where peer panels assess alignment with city goals based on narrative responses and supplemental materials. Evaluations consider activities, community engagement, capacity, DEIA efforts, and emphasis area achievements. Rankings influence award amounts, which are also determined by organizational income, the number of recipients, and total available funding. Awards range from $10,000 upward, with specific tiers based on the applicant’s annual operating income. All awards require a 1:1 cash match to be fulfilled during the fiscal activity period of July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. Final award approval is subject to the city’s budget process, and agreements may take up to five months post-July 1 to execute. Funded organizations must submit required financial documentation, maintain compliance with state and federal regulations, and submit progress and final reports. Part 1 applications are due by November 13, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time via the Fluxx portal. The Part 2 application, for those invited, is due February 9, 2026. Appeals may be submitted within ten days of notification if applicants are not recommended for funding. The final budget approval occurs by June 30, 2026, with the award period commencing on July 1, 2026.

Clearly align activities with TOT policy goals; avoid applying under multiple categories; ensure compliance with state and federal registrations