Background & Purpose
The Arts & Cultural Organizations General Operating Support grant program provides direct funding to arts and cultural organizations in support of ongoing operations.
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 project-based 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
Eligible applicants* will apply for funding based on the tier structure below:
| Tier | Organization Total Revenue | Number of Awards Possible | Anticipated % of funding |
| 1 | Below $250k | 173 | 55% |
| 2 | $250k to $1m | 79 | 25% |
| 3 | $1m- $1.5m | 63 | 20% |
Matching Funds
No match required for organizations with operating budgets less than 200% of maximum per year grant amount (i.e., less than $60,000 per year). 1:1 match required for organizations with budgets at least 200% of the maximum per year grant amount ($60,000 or more per year).
Eligible Request Amounts
Applicant organizations can request up to $30,000 each year for up to two years.
Estimated Arrival of Funds
1st year funds: December 2023- January 2024; 2nd year funds: December 2024-January 2025
Grant Program Overview
Click here to watch
This video introduces the Arts & Cultural Organizations General Operating Support grant application elements and how to apply through the CAC’s online portal.
Office Hours
Virtual office sessions are available to provide technical assistance the Arts & Cultural Organizations General Operating Support grant. Join Arts Program Specialists Leslie Giovanini and Josy Miller Join as they answer general questions regarding this program. Office hours are structured to be a “drop-in” format. Audience members are welcomed to join and exit as needed.
Hours are offered as follows:
Friday, May 19, 9-10 a.m. – Click here to register
Tuesday, May 23, 4-5 p.m. – Click here to register
Wednesday, May 31, 9-10 a.m. – Click here to register
Application Links:
Online Application Portal: calartscouncil.smartsimple.com
2022 Grantee Information:
Program Timeline
| Application Opens | April 25, 2023 |
| Application Deadline | June 6, 2023, 11:59 p.m. |
| Panel Review | Approx. June – July 2023 |
| Funding Decision | Approx. August 2023 |
| Funding Notification | Approx. August 2023 |
| Grant Activity Period | October 1, 2023 – September 30, 2025 |
| Estimated Arrival of Funds | 1st year funds: December 2023- January 2024; 2nd year funds: December 2024-January 2025 |
| Interim Report Deadline | October 31, 2024 |
| Final Report Deadline | October 31, 2025 |
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
