Deadline: 12-Mar-2025
The City of Berkeley is currently accepting applications for the General Operating Support Grant to support the growth and stability of Berkeley’s arts community through funding the operational expenses of nonprofit arts organizations.
This funding is intended to empower and promote equitable representation of organizations that have been historically and systemically marginalized.
Funding Information
- All applicants may request up to $10,000 for operating-related expenses for each year of the Grant Activity Period. ($20,000 over two years.)
Eligible Expenses
- Examples of eligible expenses for this funding include, but are not limited to:
- Artist and contractor stipends
- Equipment rentals
- Professional development and training
- Program supplies and materials
- Staff salaries
- Rent and utilities
- Venue and permit fees
Ineligible Funding
- Grant funds may not be used for:
- Activities in schools during in-school hours
- Activities that are primarily for university- or college-enrolled students
- Capital improvement projects
- Deficit or debt reduction
- Equipment purchases
- Expenses incurred outside of the Grant Activity Period
- Fundraising
- Political advocacy or lobbying
- Projects with religious or evangelical purposes
- Start-up costs for new organizations or businesses
- Trusts, endowments, or cash reserves
Who is encouraged to apply?
- Organizations representing systemically marginalized identities, including but not limited to: Arab, MENASA (Middle Eastern, North African, South Asian); Asian; Black, African American; California Native American, Indigenous, Tribal; Disabled; Elders, Seniors; Latinx, Chicanx; LGBTQIA2S+; Low Income; Neuro-Divergent; Pacific Islander; People of Color; Trans and/or Non-Binary People; Immigrants (Documented and/or Undocumented), Refugees, Asylum Seekers, Migrants; Unhoused; Unsheltered; Veterans; or Youth 18 years of age or older are strongly encouraged to apply.
Who can apply?
- Applicants must meet all of the following eligibility requirements:
- Official business address is located in the City of Berkeley
- Applicant is an arts organization
- Applicants must also meet one of the following eligibility requirements:
- Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization
- Applicant is an organizational entity that is nonprofit in nature (for example, artist collectives and guilds) and using a Fiscal Sponsor to apply. Fiscal Sponsors must be a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.
Who can’t apply?
- City of Berkeley government departments or units
- For-profit businesses or sole proprietorships
- Individual artists
- Nonprofit organizations that are not arts/cultural organizations (for example, social service nonprofits, religious institutions, etc.)
- Public or private school districts
For more information, visit City of Berkeley.