The City of Santa Barbara is seeking applications for its grant program.
Donor Name: City of Santa Barbara
State: California
City: Santa Barbara
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 08/17/2026
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: 2 Years
Details:
As part of its ongoing commitment to a vibrant, sustainable local cultural sector and arts access for all, the City is investing nearly $250,000 into the community through its annual Cultural Arts Grants.
Santa Barbara-based organizations are invited to apply for any one of the three grant programs: Community Arts, Organizational Development, and Community Events and Festivals. The programs are intended to provide arts access for underserved communities, support diverse nonprofits, and catalyze events and festivals that enhance local economic and community vitality.
Types of grants
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Community Arts (CA) Grants: supports arts projects and programs that serve youth, low-income residents, and historically underserved communities within Santa Barbara. Funding is intended to increase access to the arts and foster inclusive participation across neighborhoods and populations that face barriers to engagement.
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CA Grant Maximum Grant Request: $6,000
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Grant Activity Period: Projects must take place between January 1 and December 31 (12 months).
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Organizational Development (OD) Grants: Supports Santa Barbara-based arts organizations in building sustainability, expanding capacity, and improving overall performance. Funding may be used for operational and marketing expenses, including efforts to grow audiences, strengthen infrastructure, and increase earned income over time.
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OD Grant Maximum Grant Request: $15,000
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Grant Activity Period: Projects must take place between January 1 and June 30 of the following year (18 months).
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Community Events & Festivals (EF) Grants: Provides funding to Santa Barbara organizations for the promotion and production of arts and cultural events. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to produce public events or festivals that enhance the City’s cultural vitality, attract broad audiences, and reflect community diversity.
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EF Grant Maximum Grant Request: $15,000
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Grant Activity Period: Projects must take place between January 1 and June 30 of the following year (18 months).
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Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, applicants must have nonprofit 501 (c) (3) status or a nonprofit fiscal sponsor and attend a mandatory informational workshop.
For more information, visit City of Santa Barbara.
