State-Local Partner Mentorship

Overview

The State-Local Partner Mentorship program supports the establishment of county-designated local arts agencies in Glenn and Kings counties by providing grant funds to two existing State-Local Partners to mentor the development of new local arts agencies in these underserved counties.

Key Dates

• Application Opens: March 17, 2026
• Application Deadline: May 12, 2026, 11:59 P.M.
• Panel Review: Approx. June — July 2026
• Funding Decision: August 14, 2026
• Funding Notification: Approx. August 2026
• Grant Activity Period: October 1, 2026 — September 30, 2027
• Estimated Arrival of Funds: January — March 2027
• Final Report Deadline: October 30, 2027

Eligibility

Applicants must be current grantees in the CAC State-Local Partners Program. Eligible organizations include nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) California organizations; units of municipal, county, or Tribal governments; and fiscally sponsored organizations.

Award

Applicants can request up to $50,000 for the one-year grant activity period.

Restrictions

Organizations that apply for the 2026 State-Local Partner Mentorship grant are not eligible to apply for the General Operating Support grant. The State-Local Partner Mentorship will mentor new organizations for their first two years; grantees may reapply for 2nd and 3rd year funding.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the online application portal at calartscouncil.smartsimple.com. Before applying, review the full program guidelines. CAC staff is available to offer guidance well in advance of the deadline.

Contact & Assistance

• Email: slpmentorgrant@arts.ca.gov
• Staff: Charles O'Malley and Natalie Peeples
• Virtual office hours available; register at provided link for March 24, 2026, 12—1 PM
• California Relay Service (CRS): Dial 711 for accessibility support