Arts Express Grant Program

The Arts Express Grant Program is administered by the San Benito County Arts Council, a local organization dedicated to promoting accessibility, equity, and diversity in the arts throughout San Benito County, California. With a longstanding commitment to supporting local artists and cultural organizations, the Council aims to increase community engagement through funding opportunities designed for a wide variety of creative applicants. The 2025 cycle of the Arts Express Grant continues to reflect these goals by offering both operational and project-based funding, helping to ensure a vibrant cultural landscape across the county. The 2025 Arts Express Grant Program offers two funding categories. General Operations Grants provide up to $5,000 and are exclusively available to arts-based nonprofit organizations with a 501(c)(3) status located within San Benito County. These grants are designed to support the general administrative and programmatic functions of qualified organizations whose primary mission centers on arts and cultural programming. On the other hand, Project-Based Grants offer up to $2,500 and are available to a broader range of applicants. These include individual artists residing in San Benito County, cultural groups or collectives, non-arts nonprofits partnering with individual artists or arts providers, and arts-based for-profit businesses operating locally. To be eligible for funding, applicants must have a primary residence or headquarters located in San Benito County. All proposed projects must directly benefit San Benito County residents. Special consideration will be given to projects led by and serving underrepresented communities. Successful applications should reflect artistic excellence in visual, performing, or traditional arts and demonstrate a commitment to cultural equity and accessibility. Prior grantees must be in good standing with the Arts Council, including up-to-date final reports from previous awards. All awarded funds must be used within the grant period of October 15, 2025, through July 31, 2026. The application process is fully online, and applicants must submit several required documents. Nonprofit organizations must include an organizational budget, most recent profit and loss statement, a year-to-date balance sheet, and a current board and staff roster. Individual artists, cultural groups, for-profits, and community organizations must submit a project budget, list of project partners, and three work samples linked via online media. All applications must also respond to narrative prompts addressing project descriptions, key artists and communities served, accessibility and outreach, and measurable impacts. A virtual grant workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 6:00 PM, where prospective applicants can receive guidance and have questions answered. Pre-registration is required to attend. All complete applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM on Sunday, September 28, 2025. Awards will be announced by October 31, 2025. Selected recipients are required to attend an orientation that includes detailed reporting requirements to maintain eligibility and compliance. For additional support, applicants may contact Jennifer Laine at the San Benito County Arts Council via email at info@sanbenitoarts.org or by phone at 831-636-2787. Comprehensive guidelines, application forms, and workshop registration details are available on the San Benito County Arts Council’s official website. This program is an annual opportunity that reflects the Arts Council’s ongoing mission to invest in local creativity and cultural representation.

Attend the virtual grant workshop on September 10, 2025, for guidance on the application process.