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. Grants are awarded through a competitive application and public review process in three categories.
Grant applications are currently closed. See the list of awarded grantees.
Individual Artist Projects
Application period opens January 2024
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.
Community Festivals
Application period opens January 2024
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.
General Operating Support
Application period opens January 2025
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.)
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 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 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.
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.
Apply to be a grant review panelist.
Grant review panelists need to become registered vendors with the City of Berkeley to receive payment for their service. Complete a Vendor Application and a W-9 to become a vendor.
Panelist documents:
