Create Grants

The Create Grants program, administered by the Arts Council Santa Cruz County, provides direct funding support for arts and cultural projects that are open to the public within Santa Cruz County. This grant opportunity is tailored for artists residing in the county, as well as local arts organizations and non-arts entities working in collaboration with artists. Through this initiative, the Arts Council aims to enrich community life by supporting diverse creative expressions that are accessible, inclusive, and community-centered. The fund offers awards of up to $3,000 per project, encouraging grassroots engagement and localized cultural development. Founded to serve as a regional catalyst for artistic and cultural advancement, the Arts Council Santa Cruz County oversees multiple grant programs, including the Create Grants, which specifically target project-based support. Applicants are invited to propose projects that engage the public and reflect the diverse communities of Santa Cruz County. Projects funded by this grant may range from performances and exhibitions to community storytelling initiatives and arts-based educational activities. By emphasizing public accessibility, the program ensures that funded work contributes to the cultural vitality of the region and aligns with the council’s commitment to equity and inclusion. Create Grants are open to a broad pool of applicants, including individual artists, nonprofit arts organizations, and non-arts entities collaborating with artists. This wide eligibility criterion is designed to foster cross-sector partnerships and expand the reach of artistic impact across community and civic contexts. Applications must be submitted via the council’s grants portal by 5:00 PM on April 1, 2026. While the official opening date of the application window is yet to be confirmed, a hybrid orientation session is scheduled for February 13, 2026, offering prospective applicants a comprehensive overview of the grant requirements and review process. The review process is structured to ensure fairness and transparency, with decisions based on established guidelines and eligibility criteria that will be detailed in the forthcoming application materials. Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend the orientation session and utilize the drop-in Zoom office hours offered weekly on Thursdays from February 5 through March 26. These office hours are facilitated by the Grants Program Manager, Tamara Liu, who will also be available for one-on-one support sessions upon request. Notifications regarding grant decisions will be sent to all applicants by May 29, 2026. Following notification, successful applicants will be required to sign a grant agreement, after which disbursements will be issued. The funding period for awarded projects will span from June 2026 through June 2027, during which all funded activities and expenditures must occur. This structured timeline ensures that grant-supported initiatives are implemented efficiently and effectively, with adequate time for planning and execution. While the Create Grants program does not currently require pre-application steps such as a letter of intent, applicants should stay informed of any updates to the guidelines or application components by registering for the council’s Grants Program Quarterly newsletter. All communication, including decision letters and technical support, will be routed through the official grants portal and associated emails. For support in Spanish or to request an in-person meeting, applicants are encouraged to contact the program staff at [email protected] in advance.

Attend orientation session and use drop-in office hours for direct support; submit early to avoid portal slowdowns.