Purpose: What is the intended impact of this program?
The Arts & Cultural Organizations General Operating Relief grant program intends to provide relief funding to arts and cultural organizations who have experienced economic hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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 grants. General Operating grants are intended to support the applicant organization in carrying out its mission. Funding is not intended to support a specific project.
Eligible Request Amounts
Applicant organizations can request up to $30,000
Application Links:
Online Application Portal: calartscouncil.smartsimple.com
Overview Video
Program Timeline:
| Application Opens | December 18, 2020 |
| Application Deadline | February 17, 2021 11:59:59 PM |
| Panel Review | Approx. April – May 2021 |
| Funding Decision | Approx. June – July 2021 |
| Funding Notification | Approx. June – July 2021 |
| Grant Activity Period | October 1, 2021 – September 30, 2022 |
| Final Report Deadline | November 1, 2022 |
Staff Assistance
CAC staff is available to offer guidance and clarification in preparing your proposal. We recommend that you contact staff well in advance of the deadline to ensure you can be accommodated. Please note: staff assistance is not available after 5:00 p.m. on the day of a grant deadline. People who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deaf Blind, or have difficulty speaking may dial 711 to reach the California Relay Service (CRS). Large print is available upon request.
Organizations with budgets including total operating revenues of less than or equal to $250,000 seeking technical assistance should contact:
Hilary Amnah (she/her/hers/they/them/theirs)
Arts Program Specialist
hilary.amnah@arts.ca.gov
916-322-6502
Click here to schedule a 15-minute phone consultation with Hilary.
Organizations with budgets including total operating revenues of more than $250,000 seeking technical assistance should contact:
Jason Jong (he/him/his)
Arts Program Specialist
jason.jong@arts.ca.gov
916-322-6338
Click here to schedule a 15-minute phone consultation with Jason.
