Folk and Traditional Arts

The Administering Organization – Folk and Traditional Arts grant is a two-year funding opportunity managed by the California Arts Council (CAC) to support the cultural preservation and advancement of folk and traditional arts throughout the state. This program uplifts culture bearers whose art forms are deeply rooted in their communities’ heritage, including traditions tied to shared ethnicity, language, religion, region, or occupational identity. The CAC's mission is to strengthen creative expression across all California communities, with a focus on equitable distribution of public resources and cultural sustainability. Under this program, the CAC will award up to $1,000,000 annually to one or more eligible organizations to serve as Administering Organizations (AOs). These AOs will be responsible for designing and implementing a regranting program, distributing at least 70% of awarded funds directly to individual artists and community projects. The remaining 30% of funds may be used for program administration, including up to 10% for administrative costs and up to 20% for staff salaries, particularly those involving artists and culture bearers actively supporting program activities. Eligible applicants include California-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and units of municipal, county, or Tribal governments. Fiscally sponsored organizations are not eligible. The selected AO(s) will collaborate with CAC staff throughout the grant period, submit a detailed Statement of Work, and participate in regular check-in meetings to ensure program alignment and accountability. This structure ensures robust oversight while allowing the AO flexibility in addressing the specific needs of cultural communities across the state. Applications open on April 2, 2025, and must be submitted by June 5, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Funding decisions will be made in September 2025, with notifications expected the same month. The grant activity period begins January 1, 2026, and ends December 31, 2027. Funds will be disbursed in two installments: January–March 2026 and January–March 2027. An interim report will be due February 1, 2027, and a final report by January 31, 2028. Virtual office hours will be hosted by CAC Arts Program Specialist Arielle Rubin on April 7, May 12, and May 19, 2025. These sessions are informal and require advance registration. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Arielle Rubin at folkartsgrant@arts.ca.gov with questions or to receive tailored technical support. Applications must be submitted through the CAC’s grant portal at calartscouncil.smartsimple.com.