Small Nonprofit Arts and Culture Organizations in California

The SVCREATES Unrestricted Operating Grants, offered in partnership with the County of Santa Clara, provide general operating support for small nonprofit arts and culture organizations located in Santa Clara County, California. The grant program aims to support organizations that reflect the diverse and innovative character of the county, prioritize equity and inclusion, and contribute to the local cultural ecosystem through sustained audience engagement and artistic programming. SVCREATES operates on a two-year application cycle, with alternating years for different budget categories. For 2025, only organizations with annual operating budgets between $10,000 and $250,000 may apply. Organizations with budgets between $250,000 and $1.2 million will be eligible in 2026. The 2025 application opens on February 28, 2025, and closes on April 11, 2025. To be eligible, organizations must have a primary purpose of producing, presenting, or performing arts and cultural activities that are open to the public. The organization must be headquartered in Santa Clara County and must have been actively providing arts programming in the county for at least three years. Applicants must be California-based nonprofit corporations with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Organizations with budgets under $750,000 may use a fiscal sponsor with 501(c)(3) tax status. Those with budgets over $750,000 must be independent 501(c)(3) nonprofits. The grant also requires organizations to prioritize accessibility for individuals with disabilities when selecting venues. Grant awards are based on panel rankings and funding recommendations, the organization’s operating budget, and the funds allocated by the County of Santa Clara. The award amounts are projected as follows: Organizations with budgets of $10,000 - $100,000: Awards range from $2,000 to $4,000. Organizations with budgets of $100,000 - $250,000: Awards range from $4,000 to $6,000. Applicants must complete a detailed narrative and financial application, including information on mission, programming, audience demographics, financial reports, and work samples. Applications will be reviewed by SVCREATES staff and an independent panel, with final decisions communicated in late June or early July 2025. Grant payments will be distributed between July and August 2025, and the grant period runs from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. An Applicant Information Session will be held on March 11, 2025, from 1:00 - 2:00 PM. Office hours for one-on-one support are also available. Organizations facing barriers related to language, technology, or accessibility are encouraged to contact Alyssa Erickson, SVCREATES Program Director at alyssae@svcreates.org for specialized assistance. For more details and to submit an application, visit SVCREATES’ online grant portal.