Arts Transportation Grant

The City of Santa Monica’s Arts Transportation Grant (ATG) program provides critical support for access to cultural destinations across Los Angeles County by reimbursing transportation costs for local students and nonprofit organizations. Administered by Santa Monica Cultural Affairs and funded by the Los Angeles County Proposition A Local Return fund, the program reflects the city's commitment to enriching the quality of life for its residents through exposure to the arts. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to ensure equitable cultural access by minimizing the transportation barriers that might otherwise prevent participation in enriching educational and artistic experiences. The ATG specifically covers transportation expenses for excursions that take Santa Monica-based students and residents to designated cultural venues such as museums and performing arts centers within Los Angeles County. The grant funding period for the current cycle is defined from October 15, 2025, through May 1, 2026, and only costs directly related to transportation are eligible for reimbursement. The grant excludes all other expenses, including admission fees and meals. Transportation must be provided through eligible means, including private charters, public transit, the Big Blue Bus, or buses from the Santa Monica–Malibu Unified School District. Moreover, accessibility requirements mandate that all selected destinations must be ADA-compliant. The grant operates on a reimbursement basis, meaning organizations must initially cover transportation costs and later submit invoices and proof of payment. All approved funding will be reimbursed in June 2026, after the submission and approval of final reports and financial documentation. The program's design ensures transparency and accountability by requiring a public notice process; trips must be open to all Santa Monica residents in an age-appropriate manner. For instance, if a specific grade level is targeted for an excursion, any student of that grade living in the city must be able to participate. The City publicly posts scheduled trips so families can opt in. Eligible applicants include all Santa Monica schools and nonprofit organizations, making the grant broadly inclusive within city limits. There are no stipulations concerning the size or operating budget of the applicant organizations, but each proposed trip must meet program criteria to be considered. Applications are reviewed by Santa Monica City staff and approved on a rolling, first-come-first-served basis until all available funds are allocated. Notification of awards is typically sent within four to six weeks of submission. Applications must be submitted online through the designated Microsoft Forms link provided on the city's website. Final reports, including proof of payment and a summary of the trip outcomes, must be submitted no later than May 14, 2026. Organizations that fail to meet this reporting deadline risk losing eligibility for future ATG cycles. This condition helps to enforce accountability and ensures that funds are used appropriately and documented thoroughly. Program-specific questions should be directed to the designated grant staff at [email protected] or by phone at (310) 905-0828. Additional program guidelines and application materials are accessible online. This grant program continues to serve as an essential access point to cultural participation for Santa Monica residents, reaffirming the city's role in fostering community inclusion through arts and culture.