Creative Communities in California
This grant provides financial support to nonprofit arts and culture organizations in San Diego to create community-engaging projects that enhance access to the arts and enrich local neighborhoods.
The Creative Communities San Diego (CCSD) Grants, offered by the City of San Diego's Department of Cultural Affairs, support nonprofit arts and culture projects that engage local communities and enhance access to the arts within the city. Funded by the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), the program aligns with the city's goals to strengthen San Diego’s reputation as a cultural destination, enrich residents' lives, and support vibrant neighborhoods. Projects funded by CCSD must occur within the city during Fiscal Year 2026 (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026) and must include public engagement or accessible presentations. Eligibility Requirements: Eligible applicants include tax-exempt nonprofits under sections 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code, with at least two years of independent operation and a physical presence in San Diego County. Projects must align with TOT’s cultural goals and benefit San Diego communities directly. Organizations without 501(c)(3) or (c)(6) status may apply through a fiscal sponsor. Award amounts depend on project budgets, past performance, and ranking by peer panels. A minimum grant award is $5,000, with recipients required to match funds 1:1. For budgets of $100,000 or less, in-kind contributions can fulfill up to 50% of the match. In FY25, awards ranged between 3-50% of project budgets, based on budget tiers. Application Process: The application has two parts: Part 1: Due November 25, 2024, by 8:00 a.m. PT, includes eligibility verification and administrative review. Part 2: Opens for qualified applicants on January 21, 2025, with a deadline of February 18, 2025. Part 2 requires a project proposal, community engagement plan, budget, and relevant work samples. First-time applicants must attend a mandatory one-on-one technical assistance session before submitting Part 1. Additional support and resources, including virtual office hours and tutorials, are available. Final award decisions will be confirmed in June 2025, with funds available starting July 2025.
Award Range
Not specified - $10,000
Total Program Funding
Not specified
Number of Awards
Not specified
Matching Requirement
No
Eligible Applicants
Additional Requirements
Who is Eligible to Apply? Your organization is eligible to apply for CCSD funding if: ● NONPROFIT STATUS: Your organization holds tax-exempt nonprofit status under section 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code at the time of application that is verifiable by an IRS letter of determination attached to the Part 1 Application; AND ● PUBLIC BENEFIT: Your organization’s project must have a clear presentation that is open to the public, or meaningful and accessible engagement component within the activity period. While presentations and participation must be open to the public generally, they may reach specific audiences or charge a fee as long as such restrictions do not discriminate on the bases as described in Section 6; AND ● HISTORY OF OPERATIONS: Your organization has at least two full and consecutive years of operating with its own independent governing board (not under a fiscal sponsor); ● SERVICE AREA: Your organization maintains principal offices in San Diego county that can be verified by one of the required proof of address documents to be attached to the Part 1 Application, with an exception for arts service organizations with offices in San Diego county and primary headquarters in California; AND ● PROJECT LOCATION: Your location must take place within the city of San Diego; AND ● MISSION ALIGNMENT: Your project aligns with the purpose of TOT funding: 1. To enhance the economy and strengthen arts, cultural, and creative sectors; 2. To contribute to San Diego’s national and international reputation as a creative, cultural destination; 3. To provide access to excellence in culture and the arts for residents and visitors; 4. To enrich the lives of the people of San Diego; and 5. To build healthy, vital neighborhoods.
Geographic Eligibility
San Diego County (CA)
Application Opens
July 1, 2025
Application Closes
June 30, 2026
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