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.

Eligibility and Evaluation Criteria

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.

Evaluation Criteria:

  • 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 or one-time project.

Application Guidelines

The 2023 Arts Access Grant cycle is now closed. Check back in fall 2024 for updates on the next grant cycle.

Arts Access Grantees


The 2023 Arts Access Grant cycle is now closed. Check back in fall 2024 for updates on the next grant cycle.

Key Dates:
Application Opens: November 4, 2022
Application Deadline: December 16, 2022 @ 5:00pm
Award Notification: March 2023
Grant Period: July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024

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

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