Civic Arts Grants

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 Organizations

Apply for a grant to support your work as an individual artist, festival organizer, or nonprofit organization. 

Grants are awarded through a competitive application and public review process in four categories. View our current grantees and learn about some of the grant-funded projects by watching our Artist Showcase video.

APPLY For Grants

Individual Artist Projects

Individual Artist Project grants support artists living in Berkeley with project-based funding. Projects must include original work created during the Grant Activity Period and a public presentation that engages Berkeley residents in a meaningful way.

• Individual Artist Projects Guidelines
• Application Deadline: March 4, 2026, at 11:59 pm
• Grant Amount: $5,000
• Watch the Informational Webinar recorded on January 7, 2026, at 5:30 pm

The following disciplines will be considered over the next two grant cycles. You may only apply once over the FY26-FY27 period based on your project’s artistic discipline:

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.

• Community Festivals Guidelines
• Closed March 11, 2026, at 11:59 pm
• Grant Amount: up to $7,000
• Watch the Informational Webinar recorded on January 9, 2026, at 12:00 pm

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. This category will reopen January 2027.

• General Operating Support Grant Guidelines
• Closed March 12, 2025, at 11:59 pm
• Grant Amount: up to $10,000 (up to $20,000 over two years)
• Informational Webinar Recording from January 17, 2025

Schedule for current grant cycle

• January – March 2026: Application period
• March – May 2026: Application review period
• April – May 2026: Grant Review Panel meetings
• June 5, 2026: Grants Subcommittee makes funding recommendations
• June 24, 2026: Civic Arts Commission approves grant awards
• June 30, 2026: City Council adopts budget
• July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027: Grant Activity Period for Individual Artist Project grants and Community Festival grants
• July 1, 2025–June 30, 2027: 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@berkeleyca.gov.

Get help applying

For support with preparing your application, please read the frequently asked questions (FAQs).

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 W-9 to become a vendor. To receive grants by direct deposit, complete the application to authorize electronic payments.

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.

FOR PANELISTS 

Community members located in the greater Bay Area with experience in arts and culture can apply to serve as grant review panelists. The Civic Arts Commission approves the pool of individuals from which staff selects panelists. Once approved, panelists are eligible to serve for two years. View list of approved grant panelists.

Grant review panelists need to become registered vendors with the City of Berkeley to receive payment for their service. Complete a Vendor Application and W-9 to become a vendor. Get your payments deposited directly into your bank account. To receive honorarium by direct deposit, complete the application to authorize electronic payments.

Panelist documents: 

• Panelist Handbook
• Conflict of Interest Form
• Grant Review Panel Meeting Attendee Protocol