Arts & Youth Grant Program

The Arts and Youth grant program, administered by the California Arts Council (CAC), is dedicated to expanding access to high-quality, culturally responsive arts education for young people across California. Rooted in the belief that creative engagement is fundamental to the development of youth as informed, expressive, and socially connected individuals, this initiative supports projects that reach infants, children, and young adults up to age 25. The program is particularly focused on communities facing barriers such as economic hardship, geographic isolation, racial and cultural marginalization, and limited digital access. By funding arts experiences in diverse settings, the CAC aims to foster self-expression, community connection, and intercultural understanding among California’s youth. This opportunity prioritizes equitable access and centers applicants that serve historically under-resourced communities. Organizations that work with youth in rural or inland regions, communities in the lower two quartiles of the Healthy Places Index (HPI), or that are new to CAC funding receive additional weighting in the panel review process. Projects must be designed to engage youth who otherwise may not have access to arts learning and should occur in appropriate community settings such as schools, community centers, juvenile halls, and correctional facilities. Proposals must emphasize collaboration between the applicant, artists or culture bearers, youth participants, and the broader community. Eligible applicants include nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations based in California, units of municipal, county, or tribal government, and fiscally sponsored groups. Applicants must have a minimum two-year track record in providing arts programming or services and demonstrate active status with the California Secretary of State. Organizations with total annual revenues exceeding $5 million are not eligible, and applicants may not apply to both this and the Impact Projects grant in the same cycle. Notably, matching funds are not required, and the maximum award amount is $25,000 for a one-year grant activity period. The application window opens on March 17, 2026, and closes on May 12, 2026, at 11:59 PM. Proposals must be submitted through the CAC’s SmartSimple online portal. No pre-application submissions (such as a letter of intent or concept paper) are required. Office hours are available for applicants seeking assistance, and program specialist Emily Taggart may be contacted via email for additional support. Evaluation criteria include centering equity and accessibility, program design and implementation, artistic merit, and community engagement. Each of these is assessed through a mix of narrative responses, budget tables, artistic statements, and supporting materials. Proposals must show how artists are integrated into project planning and execution and demonstrate clear strategies for evaluating community impact. Funded projects will begin October 1, 2026, and end September 30, 2027. Grantees are required to submit a final report by November 1, 2027, detailing activities, outcomes, and financial expenditures. This is a non-recurring, one-year grant opportunity. Funding decisions will be announced in August 2026, and disbursement of funds is expected between January and March 2027. Organizations interested in supporting the development of culturally engaged and expressive youth populations in California are encouraged to apply.