The California Nonprofit Performing Arts Grant Program was created to provide grants to eligible nonprofit performing arts organizations (theater, dance, music, and other performance companies) to encourage workforce development. The Program includes $49.5M to be allocated in one or more rounds to eligible nonprofit performing arts organizations that meet certain criteria.

Grant moneys awarded under 
this Program shall only be
 used for the following:

1. Employee expenses, including payroll costs, health care benefits, paid sick, medical, or family leave, and insurance premiums;
2. Contributions or payments to a centralized payroll service;
3. Recruitment, training, development, and other human resources related expenses; and/or
4. Other operating expenses or equipment for employees.

The Program requires these grants to be awarded on a first-come-first-served basis in specified amounts depending on the applicant’s annual gross revenue in the 2019 taxable year.

Eligible Grant Awards         Annual Gross Revenue in 2019 Taxable Year

$25,000                               $1,001 – $100,000
$50,000                               $100,001 – $1,000,000
$75,000                               $1,000,001 – $2,000,000

Eligible organizations include registered 501(c)(3) entities with no more than $2M in annual gross revenue, and who are classified in one of the following North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Codes: 

(A) 711110 – Theater Companies and Dinner Theaters 
(B) 711120 – Dance Companies 
(C) 711130 – Musical Groups and Artists 
(D) 711190 – Other Performing Arts Companies 

The California Nonprofit Performing Arts Grant Program application portal is scheduled to open on July 13 at 9am. The program website is now live at canonprofitperformingarts.com and Lendistry has announced that it is expected to be fully up to date with application guidelines by June 30. 

Californians for the Arts is available to assist with questions and with submitting your application. Contact:
Teri Ball, Grants Manager
[email protected]
916.905.5397 

ACSO is pleased to be an outreach partner on this grant to help spread the word to orchestras, choruses, operas, and other music ensembles. We are partnering with Californians for the Arts to present an informational webinar about this grant.

CA Nonprofit Performing Arts Grant Program | Information Webinar 
Monday, July 11, 2022
3:00pm - 4:00pm PT
Register Here

If you cannot attend ACSO's July 11 webinar, attend one of the other four webinars from Californians for the Arts during the week of July 4. Click here to get more information and register.

The California Nonprofit Performing Arts Grant Program is funded by the State of California and administered by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA). Eligibility criteria applies.