The General Operating Support grant provides general operating funding for Berkeley-based nonprofit arts and cultural organizations.
Donor Name: City of Berkeley
State: California
City: Berkeley
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 03/12/2025
Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000
Grant Duration: 2 Years
Details:
General Operating Support grants support the growth and stability of Berkeley’s arts community through funding the operational expenses of nonprofit arts organizations. This funding is intended to empower and promote equitable representation of organizations that have been historically and systemically marginalized.
Funding Information
- All applicants may request up to $10,000 for operating-related expenses for each year of the Grant Activity Period. ($20,000 over two years.)
- Awarded organizations will receive two payments, one in Fiscal Year 2026 and one in Fiscal Year 2027. Awards will be the same amount for each of the two fiscal years in the Grant Activity Period.
- A projected total of $450,000 is allocated for this grant category in FY26 and $450,000 in FY27. Award amounts and the number of awards will be determined by the amount of applications received, request amounts, and final scores.
Grant Period
July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2027.
Eligible Expenses
Although a two-year organizational budget form is required, a project budget outlining how the grant funds would be used is not required for this application. Examples of eligible expenses for this funding include, but are not limited to:
- Artist and contractor stipends
- Equipment rentals
- Professional development and training
- Program supplies and materials
- Staff salaries
- Rent and utilities
- Venue and permit fees.
Who is encouraged to apply?
Organizations representing systemically marginalized identities, including but not limited to: Arab, MENASA (Middle Eastern, North African, South Asian); Asian; Black, African American; California Native American, Indigenous, Tribal; Disabled; Elders, Seniors; Latinx, Chicanx; LGBTQIA2S+; Low Income; Neuro-Divergent; Pacific Islander; People of Color; Trans and/or Non-Binary People; Immigrants (Documented and/or Undocumented), Refugees, Asylum Seekers, Migrants; Unhoused; Unsheltered; Veterans; or Youth 18 years of age or older are strongly encouraged to apply.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must meet all of the following eligibility requirements:
- Official business address is located in the City of Berkeley
- Applicant is an arts organization
- Applicants must also meet one of the following eligibility requirements:
- Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization
- Applicant is an organizational entity that is nonprofit in nature (for example, artist collectives and guilds) and using a Fiscal Sponsor to apply. Fiscal Sponsors must be a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.
For more information, visit City of Berkeley.
