SAMBAFUNK

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Grantee Database

Grant Year

2025-26

Grant Program

General Operating Support

Award Amount

$12,900.00

Project Description

SambaFunk! preserves, centers, and uplifts African Diaspora cultural and healing arts across the San Francisco Bay Area. Rooted in African, Brazilian samba, and Oakland funk traditions, our mission celebrates resilience, shared heritage, and cultural pride while promoting wellness in underserved communities.

CAC grant funds will support programs aligned with this mission, including Oakland Carnival, a free annual event sponsored by SambaFunk! for the entire city and San Francisco Bay Area. Held at Mosswood Park, it features African, Caribbean, and Afro-Brazilian arts through music, dance, and wellness activities. Additionally, biweekly drum and dance classes, K-12 arts programs, public performances, artist residencies, and international studies provide inclusive spaces for cultural expression.

With a community of over 1,000 participants, SambaFunk! connects people, builds creativity, and sustains traditions essential for healing and future generations.

Organization Summary

Since 2010, SambaFunk! has used music and dance to bridge cultural gaps while providing a safe place for authentic, health-focused cultural creativity. Our core programs include dance/drum classes, K-12 arts education, public performances, international study and support for key social issues.

We are proud to say that we regularly host:

• biweekly African Brazilian drum and dance classes (30+ attendance on average, and 100+ attendance in Carnaval season)
• large community festivals (hosted and fiscally sponsored Oakland Carnaval since 2013, participation in SF Carnaval)
• countless performances and free-to-the-public workshops around the Bay Area and California
• K-12 after-school arts programs for youth
• international Artists-in-Residence programs and a Brazilian study abroad program

Organization

SambaFunk!

Address

1428 ALICE ST APT 601

OAKLAND

94612-4072

County

Alameda

Region

Bay Area – Other

Phone

(510) 451-6100

Congressional District

California Assembly district 18

State Assembly District

District 15

State Senate District

District 9