Arts Making Impact (AMI) Grant Program

The Arts Making Impact (AMI) grant program is a longstanding initiative collaboratively administered by the Santa Barbara County Arts Commission and the Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation. Established in 2012, the program aims to enhance community access to the arts by funding projects that engage diverse audiences and support cultural enrichment throughout Santa Barbara County. Funding for AMI grants is derived from a unique public-private model, where a portion of ticket sales at the Santa Barbara Bowl contributes to the arts subsidy fund, fostering a sustainable resource for local cultural development. The AMI grant program specifically targets cultural practitioners, artists, and nonprofit arts organizations that aim to expand arts access and participation within underserved areas. Grant-funded activities are expected to contribute meaningfully to the cultural life of local communities, with a strong emphasis on inclusion, innovation, and community partnerships. Eligible projects may address barriers to cultural access, such as geographic isolation, lack of transportation, or limited educational opportunities, especially for rural and underserved populations. The program prioritizes efforts that leverage community resources and promote long-term engagement in the arts. For the 2026–27 grant cycle, applicants must have an annual operating budget under $500,000. The program supports 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations based in Santa Barbara County, as well as individual artists or collectives applying through a qualified fiscal sponsor. Districts as defined under California law may also apply, provided they meet the budgetary requirements. All applicants are required to attend one of two mandatory online workshops, scheduled for February 11 and March 10, 2026. Attendance is a prerequisite for application submission. Grant requests must fall between $1,000 and $5,000, with all approved grants funded at 100% of the requested amount. Funds are disbursed on a reimbursement basis following approved project expenses. The application deadline for the 2026–27 cycle is March 20, 2026. All applications must be submitted through the Community Grants Portal by 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Following submission, applications are evaluated by a panel consisting of County Arts Commissioners and subsequently approved by the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors. Evaluation criteria include community relevance, audience reach, fiscal responsibility, and the degree of collaboration and innovation. Additional consideration is given to projects that compensate professional artists fairly and actively engage the community in planning and execution. The grant activity period runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. All activities must occur within this timeframe. Grantees may request up to 90% of the grant award during the grant period, with the remaining 10% withheld until the successful completion of the project and submission of a final report. Reports must be submitted no later than 45 days after project completion and no later than June 30, 2027. Failure to meet this deadline may result in forfeiture of remaining funds. All reporting and reimbursement requests must be submitted through the Community Grants Portal. Applicants can access reference materials, including application guidelines and evaluation templates, via the Santa Barbara County Office of Arts & Culture website. The primary contact for the grant program is Hannah Rubalcava, Grants & Contracts Manager, who can be reached at [email protected] or by phone at 805-568-3990. Interested applicants are encouraged to review all documentation thoroughly and plan ahead to meet all eligibility and reporting requirements.

Projects should highlight community benefit, collaborative efforts, and fair artist pay to score well.