Background & Purpose
The Arts & Cultural Organizations General Operating Support grant program provides direct funding to arts and cultural organizations in support of ongoing operations.
Program Goals
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.
Funding Restrictions
Organizations with total revenue below $250,000 or over $1.5 million are not eligible for this funding cycle.
Matching Funds
A 1:1 match is required for this grant program.
Eligible Request Amounts
Applicant organizations can request up to $30,000 for this one-year funding cycle.
Grant Program Overview
Overview video coming soon.
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 for the Arts & Cultural Organizations General Operating Support grant. Join Arts Program Specialists Leslie Giovanini and Carlos Casillas as they answer general questions regarding this program. Prospective applicants are welcome to drop in during any session; registration is not required. The Gen Ops office hour schedule and links for each session are listed below:
Wednesday, April 24, 1-2 p.m. – Click to join
Friday, May 10, 10-11 a.m. – Click to join
Thursday, May 23, 2-3 p.m. – Click to join
Application Links:
Online Application Portal: calartscouncil.smartsimple.com
2023 Grantee Information:
Program Timeline
| Application Opens | March 28, 2024 |
| Application Deadline | June 6, 2024, 11:59 p.m. |
| Panel Review | Approx. July – August 2024 |
| Funding Decision | Approx. September 2024 |
| Funding Notification | Approx. September 2024 |
| Grant Activity Start | October 1, 2024 |
| Estimated Arrival of Funds | Approx. January – March 2025 |
| Grant Activity End | September 30, 2025 |
| Final Report Deadline | October 30, 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.
