California Arts Grants

The City of Stockton and Stockton Arts Commission are offering a grant of $10,000 to $100,000 for local artists and art organizations to fund projects that promote public engagement and access to various forms of art within the city, with funds being used for artist compensation, production, exhibit costs, marketing, rental cost, and supplies.

The Organizational Arts Grant program, a collaborative effort between the Arts Council of Greater Morgantown (ACGM) and Your Community Foundation of North Central West Virginia, Inc. (YCF), aims to bolster the arts community in Monongalia County, West Virginia. This program, formerly known as the "Community Arts Grant program," is funded by the City of Morgantown, the Monongalia County Commission, and the Douglas H. Tanner Memorial Fund for the Arts, with additional funding from other sources also being a possibility. The overarching mission of this grant program is to broaden support for the arts, promote excellence within artistic endeavors, and ensure that a diverse array of arts programs are accessible to the community through various arts and cultural organizations. The grant program targets local non-profit organizations operating under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code that are in good standing and either located within or serving Monongalia County, WV. It explicitly excludes applications from schools, universities, libraries, churches, and hospitals at this time. The ultimate impact goal is to foster a vibrant arts landscape within the county, making art and cultural experiences more widely available and appreciated. Organizations with an arts-based mission, or those executing projects that promote or serve the arts, are the primary beneficiaries. Key priorities for this grant include strengthening the capacity of arts and cultural organizations, fostering artistic excellence, and expanding community engagement with the arts. This aligns with YCF's broader strategic priorities of enhancing community well-being and supporting vital sectors like arts and culture. The theory of change suggests that by providing financial support to eligible non-profit arts organizations, the program will empower them to deliver high-quality and diverse arts programming, which in turn will lead to increased community participation and appreciation for the arts, ultimately enriching the cultural fabric of Monongalia County. Expected outcomes include a broader base of support for the arts, demonstrated through increased participation in arts programs and stronger organizational capacity among grant recipients. Measurable results could include the number of unique individuals served by grant-funded programs, the number of new artistic programs developed, and evidence of organizational growth and stability among recipient organizations. For instance, new organizations (established within the last three years) are limited to a $5,000 maximum award, and organizations without an arts-based mission may apply for project funding up to $5,000, indicating a focus on both supporting new initiatives and specific project-based work within the broader arts community.

This funding program assists nonprofit organizations in Bishop to deliver community services, arts activities, and events that benefit local residents.

The goal of the Façade Improvement Grant Program (FIGP) is to be a catalyst for improving the exterior of business-use properties that result in quality improvements and enhancements that benefit the business and the City. The improvements must enhance the appearance of the property and the environment in which the property is located. The FIGP has been established as a one-time program to provide grant funding for business owners and/or property owners of retail, commercial, industrial and office properties in the focus area to complete exterior improvements to business-use properties. The grant is not intended for new “ground up construction” but for improvement of existing large scale commercial buildings and the property around them. Funding Information The City anticipates awarding funds to 4-6 projects. Any awarded funding $100,000 and over will require a 10% match in private investment and a public hearing before the City Council. For example, if an applicant is awarded a grant for $150,000 in eligible improvements, the applicant is required to match $15,000 (10% of $150,000). In this example, a business or property owner can realize a total of $165,000 in improvements with a $15,000 investment. Private investment may exceed the matching grant portion of the project if, for example, interior improvements are included in the scope of work even though they are not eligible for the grant.  Purchase of the materials and services shall be funded in whole or in part by a grant from the U.S. Treasury and as such the recipient shall be required to abide by certain Federal provisions and requirements. The procurement regulations and guidelines require that all agreements with sub-recipients for projects using these funds adhere to all applicable requirements relating but not limited to non-discrimination, equal employment opportunity, training and business opportunity, and non-segregated facilities. Eligible Activities  The purpose of the FIGP is for significant and impactful façade improvements and renovations that includes improvements or renovations of existing buildings. For example, a cumulative number of eligible activities that may include a combination of several of the following: structural façade improvements, paint, awnings, signs, addition of architectural detail to façade, façade tile or stone accents, decorative entry walkway area, outside dining with decorative features, irrigated landscape/flower planters or pots, outside decorative lighting, and/or new windows. Eligible Applicants  Small Business – has no more than 500 employees or, if applicable, the size standard in number of employees established by the Administrator of the Small Business Administration for the industry in which the business concern or organization operates; and (2) Is a small business concern as defined in section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632). Non-profit – a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.  Impacted Industry – an industry or businesses within an “impacted” industry that experienced a negative economic impact during the pandemic including tourism, travel, and hospitality. If the industry is outside of travel, tourism or hospitality sectors, the industry is impacted if: 1) The industry experienced at least 8 percent employment loss from pre-pandemic levels, or 2) The industry is experiencing comparable or worse economic impacts as the tourism, travel and hospitality industries as of the date the ARPA Final Rule (published 12/6/2022).

Assembly Bill (AB) 716 established the California Cultural and Historical Endowment (CCHE) in 2002. Funds for the CCHE came from Proposition 40, the California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks, and Coastal Protection Act of 2002. $122 million in grants were distributed competitively for the acquisition, restoration, preservation, and interpretation of historical and cultural resources. In 2013, AB 482 (Atkins) authorized the creation of a specified competitive grant program administered by CCHE to support small capital projects in museums. On September 23, 2018, Senate Bill (SB) 1493 was approved and expanded the museum grant program’s project focus to include exhibits, educational programs, outreach programs, public programs, curriculum, marketing, and collections care in museums. The Budget Act of 2020 (SB 74) states that the California Natural Resources Agency shall prioritize the funds for museums severely affected by COVID-19 and that serve historically underserved communities and/or students subject to Title 1 of the Federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The Budget Act of 2021(AB 128) appropriated $50 million for museum grants and directed the California Natural Resources Agency to continue prioritizing the funding for museums severely affected by COVID-19 and that serve historically underserved communities or students subject to Title 1 of the Federal Elementary and SecondaryEducation Act. On September 13, 2022, SB 963 amended the Museum Grant Program’s 20-year-old statutes to reflect the state’s evolving priorities.

This grant provides funding to public libraries and nonprofit friends groups to create innovative cultural programs that engage and support immigrant communities across the United States.

This grant provides financial and volunteer support to nonprofit organizations in the Sacramento area that focus on youth development and promote diversity, equity, and community empowerment.

The 2024-25 State and Local Cybersecurity Grant from the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services offers $100,000 to $500,000 to California state agencies for projects aimed at improving cybersecurity governance, assessment, mitigation, and workforce development over a 3-year period.

This grant provides funding to California-based nonprofit organizations and public agencies for community-driven humanities projects that engage underserved audiences and foster public dialogue and understanding.

This grant provides flexible funding to small arts and cultural organizations in California to help sustain their core operations and programming, particularly those that serve diverse communities.

This program provides financial assistance to low-income homeowners in Garden Grove for minor home repairs, helping them improve safety and accessibility in their residences.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture is offering a grant of over $1 million for the implementation of dairy digesters on California dairy farms, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by converting methane into renewable energy, with a focus on projects that use at least 80% dairy livestock manure as feedstock.

This grant provides funding to agricultural professionals and organizations in the Western U.S. to implement educational and demonstration projects that promote the adoption of sustainable farming practices based on previous research findings.

This program provides financial support and resources to local arts agencies in California, helping them promote artistic access, equity, and cultural preservation within their communities.

This grant provides funding to non-profit arts organizations and individual artists to create and present cultural programs in Ojai and the surrounding valley, fostering artistic excellence and community engagement.

This grant supports the well-being of California’s cultural vitality by helping sustain a robust and diverse arts workforce and infrastructure. Funds may be used to support any eligible expenses associated with the general operations of an arts or cultural organization, including but not limited to rent, utilities, and staff salaries. Applying for this grant does not restrict an organization from applying for other CAC project-based grants. General Operating grants areintended to support the applicant organization in carrying out its mission. Funding is not intended to support a specific project.

This funding program provides financial support to local artists and nonprofit arts organizations in Los Angeles County to create engaging cultural arts projects that benefit the Burbank community.

The Early Care Spaces grant program, spearheaded by the Kenneth Rainin Foundation, is an open application initiative offering grants of up to $100,000. Its core mission aligns directly with the foundation's vision of a world where all Oakland children read at or above grade level by third grade. This program specifically targets early language and literacy development for Oakland children from birth to five years old, recognizing the critical window for literacy growth from early care through second grade. The foundation's strategic priority is to support equitable approaches to literacy during these formative years. The program's impact goals are multifaceted, focusing on expanding children's vocabulary and comprehension, increasing confidence in listening and speaking, and empowering parents and caregivers as leaders in their children's education. A key component of the foundation's theory of change is also the career advancement and upskilling for Black early care providers, enabling them to offer language-rich, developmentally appropriate, and culturally affirming care, thereby addressing systemic inequities. Early Care Spaces prioritizes funding for early care provided outside of traditional education systems, such as family resource centers and community spaces, while still welcoming organizations that partner with traditional systems. The program also places a strong emphasis on initiatives with deep connections to informal care providers or Family, Friend and Neighbor care. Furthermore, it seeks to support diverse organizations and providers that truly reflect the neighborhoods and communities they serve, with a particular focus on the Oakland flatlands, areas experiencing disinvestment and displacement of BIPOC communities. The expected outcomes include increased access to high-quality early literacy support for Oakland's youngest children, especially in underserved communities, and the strengthening of the informal care sector. Measurable results would likely include improvements in children's language and literacy skills, increased parental engagement in early education, and enhanced capacity and leadership among Black early care providers. This annual program, commemorating the foundation's 15th anniversary of formal grantmaking, aims to address existing gaps in Oakland's early care funding landscape and contribute to long-term literacy success for all children in the city.

The Conservation, Environment and Public Trails Grant Program, administered by the Santa Barbara Foundation, is dedicated to fostering environmental sustainability, land conservation, habitat restoration, public trails, and overall ecosystem health within Santa Barbara County. This program directly aligns with the foundation's mission by investing in projects that preserve and enhance the region's natural resources, ensuring a healthy and accessible environment for all residents. The grants support both new and existing initiatives that demonstrate a clear need and aim to create lasting positive change in the community. The primary beneficiaries of this program are the communities and natural landscapes of Santa Barbara County. The impact goals include improving equitable access to natural resources and trail systems, restoring degraded habitats, protecting ecologically significant lands, and promoting sustainable environmental practices. The program seeks to empower well-managed, financially viable organizations to implement effective projects that address identified environmental needs, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and environmentally conscious Santa Barbara County. Key priorities for funding include projects focused on preserving and ensuring equitable access to natural resources and trail systems, community-based restoration in various natural areas (wetlands, streams, coastal areas, grasslands, woodlands), early-stage investigations for land conservation efforts, and piloting or expanding projects that exemplify best practices in conservation. The strongest projects are those that foster partnerships and collaborations, incorporate community involvement and education, and align with broader regional plans such as Santa Barbara County’s Conservation Blueprint or the Food Action Plan. Expected outcomes include the establishment of new trails and restoration of existing ones, the permanent protection of ecologically and agriculturally valuable lands, the restoration of critical habitats, and the implementation of innovative solutions for sustainable land, forestry, and water management. Measurable results could include increased acres of conserved land, miles of accessible trails, improved biodiversity in restored areas, and enhanced community awareness and engagement in conservation efforts. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its emphasis on collaborative approaches, community engagement, and alignment with existing regional conservation strategies, reflecting a theory of change that prioritizes collective action and long-term planning for environmental resilience.

The Arts Council for Long Beach offers two types of microgrants: Project Microgrants and Professional Development Microgrants. The Project Microgrants are designed for local projects that are free, open to the public, and directly benefit Long Beach residents. These projects are expected to support community representation and cultural respect, encourage cultural diversity, and/or enhance underserved communities. The Professional Development Microgrants assist Long Beach artists with funding for opportunities such as workshops or conferences, aiming to enhance the artist's or organization's ability to serve Long Beach residents, particularly in underserved areas. The overall mission alignment of the Arts Council is to promote and support arts and cultural activities that benefit the Long Beach community. The primary target beneficiaries of these microgrants are Long Beach residents, artists, and organizations within the city. The impact goals are centered around fostering cultural diversity, community representation, and enhancing the lives of residents through accessible arts and cultural experiences. For Professional Development Microgrants, the goal is to strengthen the capabilities of individual artists and arts organizations, which in turn enhances their service to the Long Beach community. Both grant types emphasize supporting underserved communities and populations within Long Beach, ensuring equitable access to arts and cultural benefits. The priorities and focuses of the Arts Council for Long Beach include supporting publicly accessible arts and cultural presentations in any art form, single events or series of events, arts and cultural festivals, arts education programs, traditional folk arts presentations, public art, and initiatives that promote the Long Beach arts and cultural sector. For professional development, funding prioritizes opportunities that enhance the applicant's ability to serve Long Beach residents, with specific provisions for conference fees and equipment/tools for art making. The emphasis is on projects that are free, open to the public, and directly beneficial to the local community. Expected outcomes include an increase in diverse and culturally representative arts projects, enhanced professional skills for Long Beach artists, and a more vibrant and accessible arts and cultural sector for all Long Beach residents. Measurable results could involve the number of projects implemented, audience attendance at free public events, the number of artists participating in professional development, and the demonstrable benefits to underserved communities. The Arts Council's strategic priorities align with a theory of change where targeted financial support for local arts and artists directly contributes to community enrichment, cultural engagement, and the professional growth of the city's creative talent. This investment is seen as a catalyst for a more inclusive and thriving cultural landscape in Long Beach.