The City of Berkeley is seeking applications for its Community Festivals Grant.
Donor Name: City of Berkeley
State: California
City: Berkeley
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 03/11/2026
Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000
Grant Duration: 1 Year
Details:
Community Festival grants fund community festivals and special events that:
- celebrate and preserve a rich variety of cultural opportunities for Berkeley’s residents;
- bolster Berkeley’s vitality;
- increase Berkeley’s reputation as a vibrant destination for visitors;
- create meaningful experiences that build community.
Community Festival grants support a range of events throughout the City, from small-scale and first time events to large-scale and established festivals. Funded events must be open to the entire public and have a free component.
Funding Information
- All applicants may request up to $7,000 for festival-related expenses.
- A projected total of $156,315 is allocated for this grant category.
Grant Period
July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027.
Eligible Expenses
A project budget is required for this application. Examples of eligible expenses for this funding include, but are not limited to:
- Artist and performer stipends
- Equipment rentals
- Production or technical staff contractors
- Supplies and materials needed for the festival
- 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 one of the following eligibility requirements:
- Nonprofit 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), or 501(c)(6) 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.
