The City of Sacramento, in partnership with Sacramento County, has awarded $950,000 in grants to 72 local nonprofit organizations through the 2025-2027 Cultural Arts Awards program.

The grants provide general operating support to organizations that enrich Sacramento communities by expanding access to arts and cultural experiences across the region.

Administered by the City’s Office of Arts and Culture, the program is supported through a combination of funding sources, including the City’s Measure U sales tax revenue, City General Fund matching dollars, and Sacramento County’s Transient Occupancy Tax.

“This year’s grantees reflect the creativity, resilience and cultural richness that make Sacramento unique,” said Melissa Cirone, the City’s grants program manager. “By supporting these organizations, we’re investing in spaces where residents can connect, express themselves and celebrate community through the arts.”

The grant application window opened in October 2024, with awardees confirmed in June 2025.

The 72 grant recipients reflect the diversity of Sacramento’s creative landscape, representing both established cultural institutions and emerging arts organizations.

Awardees include organizations such as 916 Ink, a youth literary arts nonprofit; Casa de Brazilian Folkloric Arts of Sacramento, a cultural and activism group; and the Sacramento Region Performing Arts Alliance, which brings orchestral and operatic performances to the region.

A diverse panel of nonprofit arts and culture professionals and community representatives reviewed the grant applications. Organizations were selected based on their commitment to diversity and equity, cultural relevance, community impact and sound financial stewardship.

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.

More information about the Cultural Arts Awards is available on the City’s website.