The program aims to support cultural practitioners, artists, and organizations by funding projects, programs, and activities that enrich the lives of residents in communities throughout Santa Barbara County. Information and guidelines are available at sbac.ca.gov/county-grants.
First-time applicants must attend to be eligible. Applicants must be based in Santa Barbara County and provide services to Santa Barbara County residents. This year’s program is limited to arts and culture nonprofit organizations with an annual operating budget under $500,000 or for grassroots projects with nonprofit fiscal sponsorship.
The County Arts Commission reviews the grant applications and determines funding awards. The 15-member body is comprised of three representatives from each supervisorial district who have been appointed by the Board of Supervisors. Proposals that build beneficial collaborations and help to eliminate current barriers to cultural activities such as access to transportation, materials, artists, music and art instruction to underserved communities are encouraged.
“We are hoping to continue to maximize the available funding to support smaller groups that may not have as many resources,” said Mary Harris, Arts Commission Chair.
Spanish-language interpretation is available but must be requested in advance.
The Arts Making Impact grant program was established in 2012 via a partnership between the Santa Barbara County Arts Commission and the Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation.
As part of a lease agreement with the County of Santa Barbara, the Santa Barbara Bowl has created a community arts subsidy fund with fifty cents per ticket sold. The total funding available for this cycle is $50,000.
