The City of Berkeley's FY26/27 General Operating Support Grant is designed to support the operational stability and growth of nonprofit arts organizations within Berkeley. This grant is administered by the Civic Arts program and aims to foster a vibrant, culturally diverse arts ecosystem by funding essential operational expenses. The funding is provided on a two-year cycle to minimize administrative burdens on applicants. Grantees will receive the same award amount for both Fiscal Year 2026 and Fiscal Year 2027, ensuring sustained financial support for their organizations.
The primary objective of this grant is to enhance cultural equity by promoting organizations that have been historically and systemically marginalized. The grant is open to nonprofit arts organizations and nonprofit entities using a Fiscal Sponsor, provided they are based in the City of Berkeley. Organizations that represent marginalized identities, including but not limited to Black, Indigenous, LGBTQIA2S+, immigrant, and low-income communities, are strongly encouraged to apply.
Each applicant may request up to $10,000 per year, totaling $20,000 over the two-year funding cycle. The total allocated funding for this grant category is $450,000 in FY26 and $450,000 in FY27, with the final number of awards determined by the number of applications received, the requested amounts, and the final scoring. Grant funds can be used for operational expenses such as artist stipends, staff salaries, rent, utilities, equipment rentals, and program supplies. However, funds cannot be used for capital improvement projects, debt reduction, fundraising, political advocacy, or activities that primarily serve university students.
The application process requires organizations to submit materials including proof of a Berkeley business address, nonprofit status, work samples, key personnel qualifications, budget forms, and if applicable, agreements with Fiscal Sponsors. Applications must be submitted electronically through Submittable, and technical assistance is available. A review panel, consisting of individuals from the cultural sector, evaluates applications based on four criteria: arts and cultural programming, organizational leadership, community engagement and impact, and cultural equity. Each category is weighted at 25% of the total score.
Applications open on January 6, 2025, and are due by March 12, 2025. Following review panel meetings and approval from the Civic Arts Commission, grants will be awarded in June 2025, with funding beginning on July 1, 2025. Grantees must submit a progress report by July 30, 2026, and a final report by July 30, 2027, to document the use of funds. Organizations that fail to comply with reporting requirements or that do not use the funds for their intended purpose may forfeit their awards. Appeals based on evidence of misconduct or technical error in the review process are allowed but must be submitted at least 10 days before the final approval meeting.
