Administering Organization – Folk and Traditional Arts

Program Overview

The Folk and Traditional Arts grant program supports culture bearers practicing folk and traditional arts across California. 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 traditions are preserved and revitalized through hands-on learning, collaboration, and practice within families and communities.

Funding Opportunities

• $7,500 grants for individual artists and culture bearers
• $10,000 grants for eligible organizations

Eligible Applicants

• Individual artists and culture bearers
• Community organizations working with a California-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor
• Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations
• Cultural programs of federally recognized Tribal Nations based in California
• Cultural programs of Tribal Nations without federal recognition (with a nonprofit 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor)

Program Administration

The California Arts Council will distribute funds to the administering organization (Alliance for California Traditional Arts) for regranting and program administration. The awarded administering organization will provide a Statement of Work detailing program activities and timelines. Throughout the grant period, the administering organization will participate in regular check-in meetings with CAC staff.

Program Focus

The program emphasizes sustaining traditions through hands-on learning, intergenerational exchange, and access to tools and resources needed for cultural continuity. Support includes mentorship, apprenticeships, community workshops, and cultural gatherings.