Welcome to the Cultural Council’s Grant Program

The Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County has been awarding grants to Santa Cruz County artists and arts organizations since 1976. Nearly $150,000 was allocated last year to support arts performances, exhibitions and cultural events throughout the county. For 80% of grantees, the Cultural Council is their only source of grant funding.

As a result of the 2010-11 Grant Program Evaluation, the Cultural Council made changes to its Project Support Grant category and is now offering grants for individual artists and small groups to help build professional capacity. In addition to the grants for arts and cultural projects, the Grant Program will offer additional funding options for first-time applicants and professional development.

General Support Grants 2011-2012

The grant period is closed. General Support Grants have been renewed through 2012.
Current grantees must submit a 2011 Grant Interim Report by February 15, 2012.

Project Grants 2012-2013

Project Grant Deadline: March 5, 2012

The Project Grant category now includes: Professional Development Grants, First-Time Applicant Grants and Project Grants.

Grant Orientation Workshops: If you are not sure whether your project qualifies, are a first-time applicant, or you haven’t applied for a grant in the past two years, you MUST attend one of the free grant orientations. Click here for dates of workshops and detailed information about the Project Grant Category.

Interested in serving as a Panelist?

You can play an instrumental role in the process of awarding grants to artists, arts organizations, and specific arts projects benefiting our community. Call for Panelists | Recommend a Panelist

Grant Advocacy and Publicity Requirements

We ask our grantees to help us better inform the community and local representatives on the work of the Cultural Council. Click for more info. Questions: grants or (831) 475-9600 x 16.