City of Berkeley: Civic Arts- General Operating Support Grant

The City of Berkeley's Civic Arts- General Operating Support Grant provides essential funding to nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in Berkeley. These grants, awarded biennially, aim to enhance the vibrancy of the local arts scene by supporting operational costs. This initiative focuses on promoting equitable representation for historically marginalized groups, ensuring a diverse and inclusive arts ecosystem. Grantees receive funding for two consecutive fiscal years, streamlining the application process and fostering stability in the arts community.

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.)
Purpose – Why these grants are offered.
The Civic Arts program supports a culturally vibrant and diverse arts ecosystem within the City of Berkeley by funding grants to artists, arts organizations, and festivals.
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.
This grant program operates and is open on a two (2) year cycle. If awarded, grantees receive their award amount for Fiscal Year 2024, and will receive the same award amount for Fiscal Year 2025. A two-year cycle is used to reduce the amount of administrative time and effort required to apply for City funding.