- Deadline
- deadline unknown
- Entry fee
- Not listed - check the source
- Award
- $25,000
- Location
- California
- Exhibition window
- Oct 1, 2026 → Sep 30, 2027
- Applicants notified
- Aug 14, 2026
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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: [email protected]
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
- [email protected]
Every listing links to the organizer's official page. Always confirm deadlines, fees, and entry rules there before you apply.