Guidelines and Application Instructions

Overview

Arts Access Grants provide project support for programming specifically designed to reach traditionally underserved audiences.

The Arts Access Grant program is made possible through a partnership with the County of Santa Clara and with support from the County Board of Supervisors. In alignment with the values of the County of Santa Clara, this grant program is driven by the need to increase access to arts experiences by high need communities throughout Santa Clara County.

Examples of alignment and access include:

  • Access to arts exhibitions and performances by County clients such as foster youth, social services clients, etc.
  • Art that thematically addresses County priorities such as intimate partner violence, anti-obesity, literacy, suicide prevention, etc.
  • Art supplies and instruction for clients of County programs such as The Hub, domestic violence shelters, etc.
  • Artistic programs serving high need populations and aligned with Santa Clara County values of inclusion, diversity, equity and heritage.

Grant Guidelines, Eligibility, and Evaluation Criteria

Santa Clara County-based arts organizations are invited to apply to the SVCREATES Arts Access Grant Program for projects and/or programs to be delivered between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024. Grants will be competitive and limited by the available funding. Approximately 10-15 grants will be awarded. Partial funding may be awarded.

Grant Guidelines: 

  • Projects or programs will be arts experiences (eg. performances, exhibitions, classes) that are made accessible to one or more distinct audiences/communities.
  • Projects or programs should employ primarily Santa Clara County based artists.
  • Projects or programs should serve high need communities; applications must define communities to be served. High-need might include: Title I schools, low income neighborhoods, rural communities, social service agency clients, and others. Please refer to the examples of alignment and access above.
  • Competitive projects will benefit from a partner or advisor with expertise about or representing the high-need community to be served.
  • Project or program may be a renewal or expansion of an existing program or may be a new program.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Eligible organizations will be based in Santa Clara County (eg. have a primary performance, exhibition, or office space in the county and serve primarily Santa Clara County residents).
  • Eligible organizations will have 501c3 status or a qualified fiscal sponsor.
  • Eligible organizations will have a minimum of three years of arts programming history in Santa Clara County.
  • Eligible projects/programs will serve Santa Clara County residents and take place in Santa Clara County.

Restrictions:

  • For-profit organizations are not eligible.
  • Institutions of primary and secondary education are not eligible.
  • Local governments are not eligible.
  • Universities and colleges are limited to providing fiscal sponsorship for one arts program only. Grants may not support operating costs for the university or college, but must be applied to program and overhead costs of the applying entity.
  • Grants may not be applied toward support for political or religious purposes, fundraisers for other organizations or causes, capital improvements, lobbying, or projects already completed.

Evaluation Criteria:

Applications will be scored and ranked by panel based on the following criteria:

  • Project description and goals are clear and compelling.
  • Proposal articulates a specific high need community/audience to be served.
  • Proposal demonstrates authentic partnership or experience/knowledge of community/audience to be served.
  • Capacity of organization to successfully deliver the project; mission alignment with organization.
  • Project timeframe and budget demonstrate realistic planning to complete the project by December 31, 2024.

Application

The current grant cycle is now closed. 

The FY25 Arts Access Grant cycle will open in the fall of 2024. Sign up for our weekly eblast to receive updates on grant and other program opportunities.

Arts Access Grantees


2024 Arts Access Grant Awards

 

Applications for 2024 Arts Access Grants are now closed.

The 2025 cycle will open in fall 2024.

Key Dates:
Current Grant Period: January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024

Questions?
If you have questions about this program or application, please contact SVCREATES' Program Director, Alyssa Erickson.

Alyssa Erickson
408-998-2787 ext. 204
alyssae@svcreates.org