Arts Access Grant Program

The Arts Access Grant Program is designed to enhance access to meaningful arts experiences for historically marginalized communities in Santa Clara County, California. This initiative is supported by SVCREATES in partnership with the County of Santa Clara and the National Endowment for the Arts. The program aims to fund projects that provide arts experiences, such as performances, exhibitions, and classes, specifically targeting underserved audiences. The grant amounts range from eight thousand to twenty thousand dollars per year, with a total grant duration of two years. The primary purpose of the Arts Access Grant Program is to support projects that reach historically underserved populations. This includes providing access to arts exhibitions and performances for clients of social services, addressing community priorities through thematic art, and supplying art materials and instruction for various community programs. The program emphasizes the importance of inclusion, diversity, equity, and heritage in its funded projects, ensuring that the arts are accessible to all segments of the community. Funding from the Arts Access Grant can be utilized for a variety of project-related expenses. Eligible organizations may request between eight thousand and twenty thousand dollars per year, with the budget allowing for up to fifteen percent of administrative or overhead costs. Projects must focus on arts experiences that are accessible to distinct communities, employ primarily local artists, and serve historically marginalized groups. Applicants are encouraged to define the communities they aim to serve, which may include Title I schools, low-income neighborhoods, and clients of social service agencies. To be eligible for the grant, organizations must be based in Santa Clara County and have a primary performance, exhibition, or office space within the county. They must also possess 501c3 status or have a qualified nonprofit fiscal sponsor and demonstrate a minimum of three years of arts programming history in the area. A new requirement for 2024 stipulates that organizations must have a history of programming with the community they intend to serve, having provided at least one year of programming for that community. The application process includes specific submission requirements and evaluation criteria. Applications will be assessed based on the clarity and alignment of project goals with the applicant's mission, the commitment to artistic excellence, and the capacity of the organization to deliver the program effectively. Additionally, proposals must articulate the specific community to be served and demonstrate a partnership or knowledge of that community. The project timeline and budget must reflect realistic planning to complete the first year by December 31, 2025. The deadline for submitting applications for the Arts Access Grant Program is October 25, 2024. Interested organizations should prepare their proposals in advance to ensure they meet all requirements and deadlines. For further information, potential applicants can visit the SVCREATES website or contact the program administrator, Alyssa Erickson, via email or phone. This grant represents a significant opportunity for organizations dedicated to enhancing arts access for underserved communities in Santa Clara County.