Arts Express Grant Program

The San Benito County Arts Council is currently accepting applications for its 2025 Arts Express Grant Program, a local initiative designed to promote inclusive access to arts and culture throughout San Benito County. This funding opportunity reflects the Arts Council’s mission to activate and connect people, spaces, and communities through arts, culture, and creativity. The program provides financial support for arts programs, projects, and activities occurring between October 15, 2025, and July 31, 2026. The Arts Express Grant Program offers two primary funding tracks. General Operations Grants provide up to $5,000 in funding to arts-based nonprofit organizations (501(c)(3)) located in San Benito County. These grants support day-to-day organizational costs, which may include salaries, utilities, and administrative needs. The second track, Project-Based Grants, offers up to $2,500 for creative projects or arts programming. This category is open to a wider range of applicants including individual artists who reside in San Benito County, cultural groups, artist collectives, non-arts community-based nonprofits partnering with artists, and arts-based for-profit businesses. The Council emphasizes accessibility, equity, and cultural engagement through this program, aiming to foster diverse participation across artistic disciplines. Funding is available for visual, performing, literary, and other arts practices. There is no mention of a cost share or match requirement, making the grant more accessible for smaller or grassroots applicants. Applicants must complete and submit their applications online by 11:59 pm on Sunday, September 28, 2025. The Council is also offering a Virtual Grant Workshop on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 6:00 pm to help prospective applicants understand the program and application requirements. Registration is required for this session. For questions or technical assistance, applicants can reach the Arts Council by phone at 831.636.2787 or email at [email protected]. The grant guidelines and specific application portals for General Operations and Project-Based Grants are available on the Council’s website. This grant cycle is expected to recur annually, making future opportunities available for eligible applicants in subsequent years.

Attend the virtual workshop to understand the application process and ask questions directly.