Before applying, please review the full program guidelines for detailed information on program requirements and eligibility.

• Application Deadline: April 30, 2026, 11:59 PM
• Grant Request Amount: Up to $25,000
• Grant Activity Period: October 1, 2026 — September 30, 2027
• Estimated Arrival of Funds: January — March 2027

Background & Purpose

The Arts and Youth program is rooted in the CAC’s belief that arts learning and engagement should be available to all young people in California. Providing access to meaningful, culturally responsive arts experiences helps youth develop a greater sense of self, deepen their connection to their communities, and make meaningful connections across histories and cultures. By participating in the arts, youth gain the knowledge, skills, and understanding to actively take part in creative processes, projects, and pursuits throughout their lifetimes as culturally literate, engaged citizens.

The CAC acknowledges that barriers to access are compounded by factors such as socio-economic status, geographic isolation, gender identity, racial identity, cultural identity, digital divide and disability and is committed to addressing these barriers in order to achieve greater equity. The Arts and Youth program expands meaningful arts participation and learning in diverse settings and contexts for infants, children, and youth ages 0-25 by prioritizing programs that directly bridge barriers to access and participation.

Eligibility

• Nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3), California organizations
• Units of municipal, county, or Tribal governments
• Fiscally sponsored organizations

Non-eligible applicants include

1. Organizations that are registered and primarily operate as for-profit corporations/entities, even if they have a fiscal sponsor.
   1. This includes LLCs and any for-profit entities (including ‘charitable arms or branches’).
2. Non-art organizations that do not offer ongoing art activities and/or services
3. Individuals (including individuals with a fiscal sponsor)
4. State agencies
5. Federal agencies
6. Elementary and Secondary Schools (Public, Private, Charter)
7. School districts
8. County Offices of Education
9. Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs)
10. Booster Clubs

Eligibility Requirements

Applicant organizations and fiscal sponsors must meet the requirements below

1. Have a principal place of business in California and a California address.
2. Have a minimum two-year history of consistent arts programming and/or services prior to the application deadline.
3. Demonstrate proof of nonprofit status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or section 23701d of the California Revenue and Taxation Code.
   • Eligible applicant organizations without 501(c)(3) status, please see Fiscal Sponsor Requirements in the 2026 Grants Manual.
4. Have “active status” with the California Secretary of State (SOS) showing evidence of “good standing” at the time of application.

Eligible Request Amounts

Applicant organizations can request up to $25,000.

Funding Restrictions

• Organizations with total revenues at or above $5 million are not eligible to apply for this grant program.
  • The CAC’s definition of Total Revenue is the total cash inflow from your organization’s most recently completed fiscal year. Cash inflow/income includes all earned income (ex: ticket sales) and contributed income (ex: grants, donations/contributions, one-time organizational funding, operational grants). Re-granting, pass-through, and restricted capital improvement funding are excluded from the organization’s total revenue calculation.
• Applicants cannot apply to this program and the Impact Projects grant program; they must choose one.

Matching Funds

Matching funds are not required for this grant. 2026 Office Hours

Virtual office sessions are available to provide technical assistance for the Arts and Youth grant program. Join Arts Program Specialist Emily Taggart as she discusses your organization-specific grant application questions.

Office hours are structured to be a ” drop – in” format. Audience members are welcome to join and exit as needed; advanced registration is required to participate. The schedule for office hours is listed below:

• Tuesday, March 17, 2026, 12:00-1:00 p.m.- Register Here
• Friday, April 3, 2:00-3:00 p.m. – Register Here
• Monday, April 13, 10:00-11:00 a.m. – Register Here

2025-26 Grantee Information:

Guidelines

List of current grantees

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.