Background & Purpose
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.
Total Operating Revenue
This program prioritizes small organizations, defined as those with total operating revenues below $250,000.
Matching Funds
This program requires a 1:1 match of award funds.
Eligible Request Amounts
Applicant organizations can request up to $30,000
Application Links:
Online Application Portal: calartscouncil.smartsimple.com
2021 Grantee Information:
Program Timeline:
| Application Opens | January 19, 2022 |
| Application Deadline | March 9, 2022, 11:59 p.m. |
| Panel Review | Approx. March – April 2022 |
| Funding Decision | Approx. May 2022 |
| Funding Notification | Approx. June 2022 |
| Grant Activity Period | September 1, 2022 – August 31, 2023 |
| Final Report Deadline | October 2, 2023 |
Staff Assistance
Before contacting staff, check FAQs to see if application questions can be answered. If staff assistance is still required for guidance or clarification, email is the best way to contact Program Specialists. 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.
Staff Contact:
Leslie Giovanini (she/her/hers)
Arts Program Specialist
genopsgrant@arts.ca.gov
