Arts and culture nonprofits located in the city, county and unincorporated Sacramento can now apply for grants to assist with general operating expenses.
The $950,000 Cultural Arts Awards Program, administered by the City of Sacramento’s Office of Arts and Culture, in partnership with Sacramento County, is now accepting applications for the 2025-2027 grant cycle. The grants are funded by the City’s Measure U tax and by Sacramento County’s Transient Occupancy Tax funds. Applications are due Dec. 15.
To qualify for funding, organizations must meet standards of diversity and equity, cultural and community impact and show sound management and financial accountability.
“These grants will help nurture creativity, foster innovation, and highlight the unique cultural richness of our community,” said Melissa Cirone, the City’s grants program manager.
Applications will be reviewed and scored by a diverse panel of arts and culture nonprofit experts and community representatives. Proposal review meetings and rankings will be open to the public, with dates announced in advance.
In the previous grant cycle (2022-2024), the City and County provided over $933,000 annually in awards to 66 grantees, resulting in a total distribution of more than $2.7 million over the three-year period.
“The Cultural Arts Awards Program plays a pivotal role in supporting the arts, which are at the heart of our community’s identity,” said the County’s Director of Economic Development, Crystal Bethke. “These grants will empower organizations to expand their reach, contribute to the local economy, and provide access to arts and culture for all our residents.”
The Office of Arts and Culture will offer grant writing workshops and grant writing mentor support to those interested in applying. Grant writing mentors will be available by appointment Nov. 18 through Dec. 7 and workshop dates will be announced shortly. Applicants with further questions can email oaccaagrant@cityofsacramento.org.
Grants are expected to be awarded in April 2025.
More information on eligibility and how to apply can be found on the City’s website.
