City of Santa Barbara's Annual Cultural Arts Grants Program Now Open

Nearly $250,000 Available to Support Local Arts, Nonprofits, and Community Events.

The City of Santa Barbara is now accepting applications for its annual Cultural Arts Grants Program, which supports nonprofits, events, and community initiatives that drive arts access and cultural vitality across Santa Barbara. Nearly $250,000 in grants are available for projects taking place between January 1 and June 30, 2027. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. on Aug. 17, 2026. Full program details, workshop registration, grant guidelines, and the online application are available at sbac.ca.gov/city-grants.

Local nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status or a nonprofit fiscal sponsor must attend a workshop to be eligible to apply for one of the three grant programs:

• Community Arts: Expands arts access for youth and underserved communities, with a maximum request of $6,000.
• Organizational Development: Strengthens the sustainability and capacity of local arts organizations, with a maximum request of $15,000.
• Community Events & Festivals: Supports events and festivals that celebrate Santa Barbara's cultural identity and boost economic vitality, with a maximum request of $15,000.

Workshops are available in person on Wednesday, July 16, from 12 to 1 p.m. in the David Gebhard Public Meeting Room, located at or virtually on Wednesday, Aug. 5, from 4 to 5 p.m. via Zoom. All applicants must attend, including returning grantees.

All organizations applying for funding, including returning applicants, must attend an informational workshop to be eligible. An in-person workshop will be held on Wednesday, July 16, from 12-1 p.m. in the David Gebhard Public Meeting Room located at 630 Garden St., Santa Barbara, 93105. A second workshop will be offered via Zoom on Wednesday, August 5, from 4-5 p.m. Workshop registration, grant guidelines, eligibility requirements, reference documents, and the online application are available at the Office of Arts and Culture's City Grants webpage.

"Every year, these grants help turn great ideas into meaningful community experiences," said Darrell McNeill, chair of the City Arts Advisory Committee. " We encourage nonprofits of all sizes to apply and share how they can use the arts to inspire, connect, and enrich Santa Barbara."

The annual Cultural Arts Grants are funded and supported by the City of Santa Barbara. Applications are reviewed by the City Arts Advisory Committee and Community Events & Festivals Committee, with grant administration provided by the County Office of Arts and Culture.

About the Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture
The Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture (SBCOAC) serves as the local governmental umbrella for arts and culture projects and programs. The SBCOAC represents a remarkable longstanding partnership between the County of Santa Barbara and the City of Santa Barbara and serves as a State-Local Partner of the California Arts Council. Through robust public-private partnerships, the SBCOAC seeks to support and catalyze art, culture, and creative expression. For more information, visit the Office of Arts and Culture's website.

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