City of Santa Barbara Opens Cultural Arts Grants Program

The City of Santa Barbara is now accepting applications for its  Cultural Arts Grants. The program will distribute nearly $250,000 to provide free arts access for  underserved communities, increase the sustainability of local arts organizations, and produce  local events and festivals. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. on August 15, 2025. More  information is available at sbac.ca.gov/city-grants. 

“For decades, this program has helped ensure that everyone in our community can access the  arts,” said Darrell McNeill, Chair of the City Arts Advisory Committee. “It’s a powerful reminder  that public investment in the arts strengthens connection, creativity, and equity.” 

Funding will support projects and programs taking place between January 1, 2026 – June 30,  2027. Organizations must have nonprofit 501(c)(3) status or a nonprofit fiscal sponsor and  attend an informational workshop to be eligible to apply. The next workshop will take place  on August 5, 2025, from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. via Zoom. For workshop registration, grant  guidelines, eligibility requirements, and the online application portal, visit sbac.ca.gov/city grants. 

Eligible nonprofits may apply for one of the following programs: 

• Community Arts (CA): Serving youth and underserved communities, with a maximum  request of $6,000. 
• Organizational Development (OD): Strengthening the capacity of nonprofit arts  groups, with a maximum request of $15,000. 
• Community Events & Festivals (EF): Catalyzing events that enhance Santa Barbara’s  cultural and economic vitality, with a maximum request of $15,000. 

The Cultural Arts Grants are funded and supported by the City of Santa Barbara. Applications  are reviewed by the City Arts Advisory Committee and Community Events & Festivals  Committee. Grant administration is facilitated by the County Office of Arts and Culture. For  more than 30 years, both governments have shared resources and staff to maximize support  for Santa Barbara arts and culture institutions, programs, initiatives, and projects.

About the Santa Barbara County Office of Arts & Culture  

The Santa Barbara County Office of Arts & Culture (SBCOAC) serves as the local governmental  umbrella for arts and culture projects and programs. The SBCOAC represents a remarkable  longstanding partnership between the County of Santa Barbara and the City of Santa Barbara  and serves as a State-Local Partner of the California Arts Council. Through robust public-private  partnerships, the SBCOAC seeks to support and catalyze art, culture, and creative expression.  For more information, visit www.sbac.ca.gov.