Arts & Youth Grant Program

The Arts & Youth Grant Program by the California Arts Council aims to provide equitable access to arts education and experiences for young people aged 0-25 across California. This initiative addresses barriers related to socio-economic status, geographic isolation, and identity, ensuring underserved communities receive support. The program encourages participation in culturally responsive arts activities, fostering community connections and creative engagement, ultimately nurturing culturally literate citizens.

Background & Purpose
The Arts and Youth program is rooted in the CAC’s belief that arts learning and engagement should be available to all young people in California. Providing access to meaningful, culturally responsive arts experiences helps youth develop a greater sense of self, deepen their connection to their communities, and make meaningful connections across histories and cultures. By participating in the arts, youth gain the knowledge, skills, and understanding to actively take part in creative processes, projects, and pursuits throughout their lifetimes as culturally literate, engaged citizens.
The CAC acknowledges that barriers to access are compounded by factors such as socio-economic status, geographic isolation, gender identity, racial identity, cultural identity, digital divide and disability and is committed to addressing these barriers in order to achieve greater equity. The Arts and Youth program expands meaningful arts participation and learning in diverse settings and contexts for infants, children, and youth ages 0-25 by prioritizing programs that directly bridge barriers to access and participation.
Matching Funds
Matching funds are not required for this grant.
Funding Restrictions
For applicant organizations with total revenue below $250,000, there are no funding restrictions. For applicant organizations with total revenue above $250,000, the sum of requests during the same year of funding cannot exceed 50% of the total revenue from the most recently completed fiscal year. Applicants cannot apply to this program and the Impact Projects program; they must choose one.

Eligibility

EligibilityNonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3), California organizationsUnits of municipal, county, or Tribal governmentsFiscally sponsored organizations