Creative Communities San Diego Grant Program

Creative Communities San Diego is a project-based grant initiative administered by the City of San Diego’s Division of Cultural Affairs (DCA), operating under the Economic Development Department. DCA plays a critical role in nurturing a vibrant and inclusive cultural ecosystem throughout the city by providing strategic support to organizations and artists. This support is designed to foster an equitable creative economy and enhance San Diego’s national and international reputation as a cultural destination. Funding is derived from the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), a tax levied on short-term lodging stays, and is governed by Council Policy 100-03. Creative Communities San Diego (CCSD) is one of the categories supported under this policy, with the objective of enhancing the economy, increasing access to arts and culture, and fostering vital neighborhoods through dynamic, community-based cultural projects. The CCSD program supports nonprofit organizations in the San Diego region by funding projects that engage diverse communities in arts and culture, and that contribute to a more accessible and sustainable creative ecosystem. Eligible projects may take various forms such as film screenings, performances, exhibitions, parades, and festivals. Projects must take place within the city of San Diego and occur during the Fiscal Year 2027 funding period, which spans from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. While the program is open to nonprofit organizations holding tax-exempt status under 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6), organizations that lack this status or are newly established may apply through a qualifying fiscal sponsor. The applicant must be based in San Diego County, and the project must align with the goals of TOT funding—enhancing the local arts economy, supporting creative sectors, and enriching public life. Funding for successful applicants ranges in value, with awards starting at $5,000. Award amounts are calculated based on a formula that includes the applicant’s proposed project budget, panel ranking, available funds, and the number of total awardees. All awards require a 1:1 match in funding from other sources, though for projects with budgets of $100,000 or less, up to 50% of the match may come from in-kind contributions such as volunteer hours or donated goods. City funds cannot be used for certain expenditures including religious or lobbying activities, capital projects, prizes, or travel costs. The City reserves the right to revise or cancel the program, and all awards are contingent upon final approval by the Mayor and City Council during the annual budget process. The application process is conducted through the online Fluxx portal and consists of two required parts. Part 1 determines organizational eligibility and includes submission of financials, proof of nonprofit status or fiscal sponsorship, governance documentation, and alignment with TOT goals. Applicants deemed “Not Qualified” in Part 1 may submit corrections during a specified cure period. Those deemed “Qualified” proceed to Part 2, where a peer panel evaluates the proposed project based on relevance, capacity, diversity and inclusion, and other criteria. Applicants may also be eligible for an “Option to Renew” their agreement from the previous year if they meet specific requirements and had no significant changes in project scope or organizational operations. Key deadlines include a Part 1 submission deadline of November 13, 2025, with evaluation and cure periods continuing through December. Part 2 opens January 8, 2026, and closes February 9, 2026. Peer review panels convene in March, with award notifications expected by March 23, 2026. Final approval occurs by June 30, 2026, followed by agreement execution from July to September. All project activities and matching income must be completed within the FY27 period (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027). Final project reports are due July 31, 2027. Technical assistance is available throughout the application windows, and accommodations can be made upon request to ensure inclusivity and accessibility in the application process.