Purpose

Offered in partnership with the City of San José Office of Cultural Affairs and Applied Materials Foundation, this grant program is intended to strengthen nonprofit arts organizations through targeted one-on-one support with a specific organizational challenge or opportunity.

Grant Opportunity

Grantees will receive up to five hours of one-on-one support with a coach/consultant to address a specific organizational problem, need, or opportunity. Coaches will provide professional guidance and tools to support arts leaders in their own decision making and problem-solving. Coaches provide value in helping clients consider the situation from a variety of perspectives. The “coachee” commits to dedicating time for reflection, discussion, and action on organizational issues.

Grantees will be matched with coaches with experience relevant to the problem or opportunity to address. Coaching is to be completed between April 1 and July 1, 2022.

Coaches will not provide deliverables such as strategic plans, fundraising plans, marketing collateral, etc.

Possible areas of support:

  • Programmatic concerns: How much online vs. in person programming should we be offering? How do we turn this moment into a positive opportunity?
  • Board challenges: Our board is stuck, we’re looking for new ideas for board governance, structure, and recruitment
  • Member and audience engagement
  • Budget planning for the coming fiscal year
  • Staff structure
  • Fundraising strategies or help with a particular grant application
  • Integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion work into our organization
  • Deeper partnerships with peer organizations

 Eligibility

Open to current and recent SVCREATES grantees who meet the budget eligibility threshold. Contact Alyssa Erickson if you need to clarify your eligibility.

  • The organization’s annual budget (expenses as averaged for prior three fiscal years) must not exceed $2 million.
  • Eligible organizations will have current 501c3 status or a qualified fiscal sponsor.
  • One application may be submitted per organization. Applications will designate the staff or board member (or relevant team) to receive the coaching.

 Application Guidelines

Applications are now closed for the 2022 Coaching Grant Cycle.

Timeline

Application Opens: January 28, 2022
Application Closes: February 18, 2022
Award Notifications: March 28, 2022
Award Term: April 1 – July 1, 2022

Key Dates:
Application Opens: January 28, 2022
Application Closes: February 18, 2022
Award Notifications: March 28, 2022
Award Term: April 1 - July 1, 2022

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

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