Arts & Cultural Organizations General Operating Support

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:

TierOrganization Total RevenueNumber of Awards PossibleAnticipated % of funding
1Below $250k17355%
2$250k to $1m7925%
3$1m- $1.5m6320%
*Organizations with Total Revenue (TR) greater than $1,500,000 in the last completed fiscal year are not eligible to apply.

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

Program Timeline

Application OpensApril 25, 2023
Application Deadline June 6, 2023, 11:59 p.m.
Panel ReviewApprox. June – July 2023
Funding DecisionApprox. August 2023
Funding NotificationApprox. August 2023
Grant Activity PeriodOctober 1, 2023 – September 30, 2025
Estimated Arrival of Funds1st year funds: December 2023- January 2024;
2nd year funds: December 2024-January 2025
Interim Report DeadlineOctober 31, 2024
Final Report DeadlineOctober 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




***NEW GRANT APPLICANT RESOURCES*** Virtual office hours and grant program overview videos are now available for technical assistance! Visit our Grant Resources page for details.

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