Civic Arts Grants
Civic Arts offers grants to Berkeley arts organizations, artists, and festivals.
Civic Arts provides grant funding to support a vibrant arts ecosystem, strengthen diverse cultural expressions, and ensure equitable access to arts and culture throughout Berkeley.
Grants for Berkeley Artists, Festivals, and Arts Organizations
Apply for a grant to support your work as an individual artist, a festival organizer, or an arts organization. Applications are open for the 2023 grant cycle. Grants are awarded through a competitive application and public review process in three categories.
Individual Artist Projects
The Individual Artist Projects grant supports artists living in Berkeley in creating new work. The new work must include a public presentation. Grants in this category are awarded annually.
- Apply for the Individual Artist Projects grant
- Application Deadline: March 1, 2023 at 11:59pm
- Informational Webinar
Community Festivals
The Community Festivals grant supports festivals and special events in Berkeley. Grant-funded events must be open to the entire public and have a free component. Grants in this category are awarded annually.
- Apply for the Community Festivals grant
- Application Deadline: March 8, 2023 at 11:59pm
- Informational Webinar
General Operating Support
The General Operating Support grant provides general operating funding for Berkeley-based nonprofit arts and cultural organizations. Grants in this category are awarded on a two-year cycle and applications are only accepted every two years. (Formerly named Arts Organization Grants.)
- Apply for the General Operating Support grant
- Application Deadline: March 15, 2023 at 11:59pm
- Informational Webinar
Schedule for current grant cycle
- January – March 2023: Application period
- March – May 2023: Application review period
- May 2023: Grant Review Panel meetings
- June 2023: Grants Subcommittee makes funding recommendations
- June 21, 2023: Civic Arts Commission approves grant awards
- June 27, 2023: City Council adopts budget
- July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024: Grant Activity Period for Individual Artist Project and Community Festival grants
- July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2025: Grant Activity Period for General Operating Support grants
How to apply
All application materials are submitted electronically using Submittable. Technical assistance creating a Submittable account is available through Submittable’s Customer Support.
For application accommodations for disabilities or translation services, please email civicarts@cityofberkeley.info.
Get help applying
For support with preparing your application, please read the grant guidelines and frequently asked questions (FAQs):
- General Operating Support Guidelines
- Individual Artist Projects Guidelines
- Community Festivals Guidelines
- Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Learn more during an informational webinar (details at the bottom of this page).
For individualized support, make a virtual appointment to speak with Civic Arts staff.
For grantees
Grantees need to become registered vendors with the City of Berkeley to receive payment. Complete a Vendor Application and a W9 to become a vendor.
Grantees should include the City of Berkeley’s logo on promotional materials and media.
Community Festivals and other grantees requiring City permits will need to apply for a special event permit approximately six months in advance of the event.
