Background & Purpose
The Impact Projects grant program intends to support collaborative projects that center artists and artistic practice in responding to issues facing California at this time, including the pervasive social, political, and economic inequalities experienced by those communities most vulnerable to, and adversely affected by, the COVID-19 pandemic. This program prioritizes local artists and forms of arts and cultural expression that are unique to, and/or historically rooted in, the specific communities to be served.

Impact Projects grants support arts organizations for collaborations between local artist(s) and community members to develop and express their own creative and artistic goals and address a community-defined need. Collaborative projects will utilize various creative practices to impact social issues affecting their communities, including but not limited to systemic/structural racism, education, poverty, health disparities, housing insecurity, violence, food insecurity, cultural/social justice, intergenerational learning, environmental sustainability, and the digital divide.

Matching Funds
This grant does not require matching funds.

Eligible Request Amounts
Applicant organizations can request up to $20,000 for the grant period.

Application Links:

Online Application Portal: calartscouncil.smartsimple.com

GuidelinesDownload

Guidelines in Spanish – coming soon

Frequently Asked Questions

Grant Resources page

Grant Review Panel Process

2021 Grantee Information:

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. 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.