Background & Purpose 

The California Arts Council mission is to strengthen arts, culture, and creative expression as the tools to cultivate a better California for all. The CAC is committed to the just and equitable disbursement of resources across geographies to reach cultural communities of all sizes and needs. The CAC recognizes all art forms and artistic traditions that enable full and meaningful creative expression.  

Folk and traditional art forms are rooted in and reflective of the cultural life of a community, whose members may share common ethnic heritage, cultural mores, language, religion, occupation, or geographic regions. These art forms are preserved and revitalized through efforts to pass down skills and knowledge across generations. By providing opportunities for hands-on learning, collaboration, and practice within families and communities, these traditions remain vibrant and continue to evolve, ensuring the lasting strength of cultural legacies. 

The Folk and Traditional Arts (FTA) grant program supports the culture bearers practicing these arts across California. 

Program Oversight

The CAC will be responsible for distributing funds to the AO for regranting and program administration. The awarded AO will be required to provide a Statement of Work that will detail program activities and timelines for program deliverables. The CAC will provide input, guidance, and approval on program development and implementation. Throughout the duration of the grant period, the AO will participate in regular check-in meetings with CAC staff.  

Eligibility

Organizations eligible to apply include: 

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

Eligible Request Amounts

The Administering Organization grant will fund up to $1,000,000 per year for two years for the following purposes: 

• Minimum 70% of the CAC grant will fund grants out to the field. 30% of funds can be used for program design and implementation, including: 
• Up to 10% to support administrative costs, and  
• Up to 20% for staff salaries for artists and culture bearers to implement required program activities (see “Project Requirements” section below). 
• The CAC is proposing to fund one AO for this program. However, if it is determined that multiple applicants will meet the requirement of implementing statewide and engagement strategies to priority communities and trusted culture bearers, the CAC will consider distributing awards to multiple AOs. 
• Applicant organizations can request up to $1,000,000 annually for two years. Funding is subject to the availability of funds and the approval of the state budget for both the 2025-26 and 2026-27 fiscal years. Payments will be made in two installments each year, contingent on the passage of the state budget for that year.

Matching Funds 

Matching funds are not required for this grant. 

Funding Restrictions

Fiscally sponsored organizations are not eligible for this opportunity. 

Program Timeline

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:

Arielle Rubin
(she/her/hers)
Arts Program Specialists
folkartsgrant@arts.ca.gov