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Chubby Checker performing at the Lobero. City Grantee Lobero Theatre Foundation. Photo Credit Sherry Rayn Barnett
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City of Santa Barbara Cultural Arts Grants Now Open!

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As part of its ongoing commitment to a vibrant, sustainable local cultural sector and arts access for all, the City is investing nearly $250,000 into the community through its annual Cultural Arts Grants. Applications are being accepted through August 18, 2024, at 5 p.m. 

Santa Barbara-based organizations are invited to apply for any one of the three grant programs: Community Arts, Organizational Development, and Community Events and Festivals. The programs are intended to provide arts access for underserved communities, support diverse nonprofits, and catalyze events and festivals that enhance local economic and community vitality. 

  • Community Arts (CA) Grants: Encouraging projects and programs uplifting arts opportunities for underserved communities and youth and helping to ensure arts access for all members of Santa Barbara’s community. Maximum funding request: up to $6,000
  • Organizational Development (OD) Grants: Supporting nonprofit arts organizations’ capacity and performance, enhance audience reach, and increase earned income. Embracing a variety of arts organizations, including multicultural and neighborhood arts. Maximum funding request: up to $15,000
  • Community Events & Festivals (EF) Grants: Incubating events and festivals that contribute to the city’s cultural vitality and promotion. Maximum funding request: up to $15,000

To be eligible, applicants must have nonprofit 501c3 status or a nonprofit fiscal sponsor and attend a mandatory informational workshop. 

Please register to attend in person or online workshop: To request Spanish interpretation services for Thursday’s grant workshop, please email Hannah Rubalcava at Hannah@sbac.ca.gov.

Register for the in-person workshop.

Cultural Arts Grant Workshop
Thursday, July 18, 2024
Noon. to 1:30 p.m.
David Gebhard Meeting Room (630 Garden St.)

Register for the online Zoom workshop.
Tuesday, July 30, 2024
4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

For grant guidelines, eligibility requirements, and the online application portal, visit sbac.ca.gov/city-grants.

The Cultural Arts Grants are funded by the City of Santa Barbara. Applications are reviewed by the City-appointed Arts Advisory Committee and Community Events & Festivals Committee. Grant administration is facilitated by the County Office of Arts and Culture. For more than 30 years, both governments have shared resources and staff to maximize support for Santa Barbara arts and culture institutions, programs, initiatives, and projects.