Arts and Youth

grant

California Arts Council

Deadline: deadline unknown
Entry fee: Not listed — check the source
Applicants notified: Aug 14, 2026
Location: California
Exhibition window: Oct 1, 2026 → Sep 30, 2027

About

Nonprofit organizations serving youth ages 0-25 in California are invited to apply for grants of up to $25,000 to expand meaningful arts participation and learning in diverse settings.

Overview

The Arts and Youth program provides grants to expand meaningful arts participation and learning for youth ages 0-25 in California. The CAC prioritizes programs that directly bridge barriers to access and participation, recognizing that access is often compounded by socio-economic status, geographic isolation, gender identity, racial identity, cultural identity, digital divide, and disability.

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: Approx. January—March 2027
Final report deadline: October 30, 2027

Eligibility

Applicant organizations must be California nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, units of municipal, county, or Tribal governments, or fiscally sponsored organizations. Organizations must have a principal place of business in California, a minimum two-year history of consistent arts programming, active status with the California Secretary of State showing good standing, and total revenues below $5 million.

Grant amount

Up to $25,000 per organization
Matching funds are not required

Ineligible organizations

For-profit corporations or entities (including LLCs)
Non-art organizations without ongoing art activities and/or services
Individuals (including with fiscal sponsor)
State and federal agencies
Elementary and secondary schools (public, private, charter)
School districts
County Offices of Education
Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) and Booster Clubs

Office hours

Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 12:00-1:00 P.M.
Friday, April 3, 2026, 2:00-3:00 P.M.
Monday, April 13, 2026, 10:00-11:00 A.M.

How to apply

Online application portal: calartscouncil.smartsimple.com
Review full program guidelines before applying
Contact Emily Taggart for guidance: artsyouthgrant@arts.ca.gov

Staff contact

Emily Taggart (she/her/hers), Arts Program Specialist. Email is the best way to contact staff; contact well in advance of the deadline. Staff assistance is not available after 5:00 P.M. on the day of the deadline.

Award: Up to $25,000
Theme: Grant program
Eligibility: California nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, municipal/county/Tribal governments, and fiscally sponsored organizations with a principal place of business in California, a minimum two-year history of arts programming, and total revenues below $5 million.
Audience: Organizations serving youth ages 0-25 in California
Contact: artsyouthgrant@arts.ca.gov

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Aggregated automatically — verify details at the organizer's site.