Cultural Arts & Community Promotions (CACP) Grant Program

The Cultural Arts & Community Promotions (CACP) Grant Program is an initiative led by the City of San Luis Obispo’s Promotional Coordinating Committee (PCC) under the direction of the City Council. Designed to enrich the city's cultural, social, and recreational landscape, the CACP grant supports nonprofit organizations through financial assistance aimed specifically at marketing and advertising efforts tied to events or activities that benefit the local community. By providing funding in this targeted way, the City aims to enhance the visibility of events that contribute to the vibrancy and economic vitality of San Luis Obispo. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations or have a fiscal sponsor with valid nonprofit status under IRS sections 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6). Organizations are required to demonstrate the managerial and fiscal capacity to execute the proposed project, a commitment to inclusivity and public access, and evidence of having sought other funding sources. Entities functioning as fiscal sponsors must provide formal documentation and acknowledgment of support for the application. Each organization is permitted only one grant submission per fiscal year, unless it is acting as a fiscal sponsor for another event. The grant process is competitive, and decisions are made at the discretion of the PCC. Grant funding must be strictly allocated toward marketing and advertising expenses directly related to the event or activity, which must occur between July 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027. Allowable expenses include graphic design, social media costs, public relations services, promotional video production, web design, and digital advertising placements. Prohibited expenses encompass office overhead, payroll, honoraria, venue fees, event production, and general operations. Applications that do not align with these guidelines or lack the required documentation will be deemed incomplete and not considered. To ensure equity and transparency, attendance at an information session is mandatory. Applicants must either attend an in-person session scheduled for February 18, 2026, or a virtual session on February 20, 2026—or view a recording of the webinar posted thereafter. All applications and supporting materials must be submitted digitally by March 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. The PCC will review applications, and preliminary recommendations will be presented at a public hearing on May 13, 2026, followed by a City Council vote for final approval tentatively scheduled for July 7, 2026. Grants are awarded in tiered amounts ranging from $500 to $15,000, based on the scope of event impact. Smaller awards are typically reserved for events with local reach, while higher tiers are intended for events that draw regional or out-of-county visitors, thus promoting tourism. Recipients must integrate the City’s logo into all marketing materials and may be eligible for complimentary promotional support from the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, grant recipients are expected to submit a final report within 90 days after the event, documenting outcomes, financials, and acknowledgment of City support. Failure to submit a report may disqualify the organization from future funding opportunities. Evaluation criteria include alignment with City goals, financial need, potential promotional benefits to the City, past performance, and incorporation of sustainability, diversity, and inclusivity. Additional consideration may be given to anniversary events and those occurring during off-peak seasons. All funds are distributed within 60 days of a signed agreement, and unused or misused funds must be returned. The City retains full discretion over funding decisions, and submission of an application does not guarantee funding or imply any contractual obligation.

Integrate City of San Luis Obispo branding on all marketing materials and ensure all documentation is complete for eligibility.