[Center for Cultural Innovation](https://www.cciarts.org)

July 2026 (Round #1 full application) | August 2026 (Round #2 full application)

Up to $7,500 per grantee (unrestricted); ~15 awards/year; total pool ~$112,500 (projected).

Supports California-based changemakers advancing equity and inclusion in the arts by funding individuals who drive tangible sector-wide impact for underrepresented voices.

--- ## Description The program provides unrestricted grants to California-based artists and arts workers who are actively creating tangible change within the arts and culture sector. It recognizes and financially supports individuals or teams who challenge entrenched systems, shift power to historically underrepresented communities (including BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, and rural populations), and advance equity and inclusion. Funding is intended to empower those taking personal and financial risks to disrupt the status quo—whether through public art, policy engagement, advocacy, or community organizing—ensuring these changemakers can continue their work without fear of financial instability. --- ## Due Dates - July 2026: Round #1 full application deadline (anticipated/projected) - August 2026: Round #2 full application deadline (anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Individual unrestricted grants of up to $7,500. - Approximately 15 grants awarded per cycle; total funding pool around $112,500 (projected, based on prior cycles). - Funds are disbursed in two installments: 90% upon grant agreement, 10% after final report approval. - Grants are considered taxable income. --- ## Eligibility - **Who Can Apply:** - Individual artists or arts workers (including arts administrators, cultural producers, culture bearers, creatives, cultural practitioners, teaching artists, specialized technicians). - Teams of individuals (one application per team; lead applicant is responsible for reporting and disbursement). - Applicants (and all team members) must reside full-time in California. - The change-making action must have started or be ongoing since January 1, 2020. - The action must have created tangible, measurable impact in the arts and culture sector at a local, regional, state, or national level. - **Who Cannot Apply:** - Organizations (nonprofits, for-profits, fiscally sponsored groups) seeking operational support. - Applicants whose change-making action began before January 1, 2020, or is only in the idea/development stage. - Individuals/teams requesting funds for an organization rather than for themselves. - Past CALI Catalyst grantees proposing the same body of work previously funded (must show new work or new impacts). - Those with conflicts of interest (family or financial relationship with CCI board/staff). - Incomplete applications or those with inaccessible attachments. - **Additional Notes:** - Prior recipients of other CCI grants are eligible. - Grantees may receive one CALI Catalyst grant per calendar year (must submit final report before reapplying). - First-time applicants may be prioritized. --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted online via [CCI's Submittable platform](https://centerforculturalinnovation.submittable.com). - Only one application per individual or team per round. - Required materials: - Brief résumé, bio, or CV (max 2 pages). - Documentation of the change-making action's public impact (e.g., press, social media, official records; 1–3 items). - References: - Two references who can speak to the change-making action and its impact (cannot be family, spouses, or close friends). - References may be contacted for top candidates. - Evaluation: - Assessed on tangible impact, intention to advance inclusion/equity, and informed perspective. - Applications reviewed by CCI staff with diverse sector experience; community verification may be conducted. - Grantees must submit a final report within 12 months and may be invited to virtual gatherings. --- ## Additional Information - Grants are unrestricted but must benefit the applicant’s artistic work and contribute to public good; political/lobbying expenses are prohibited. - Funds can be used for living expenses, travel, training, equipment, or health insurance related to the applicant’s arts practice. - Ineligible expenses include unrelated personal costs, lobbying, or non-artistic work. - Technical support for the application platform is available via [Submittable Help](https://www.submittable.com/help/submitter/). - CCI offers office hours and information sessions for applicants. --- ## External Links - [Program Page & Guidelines](https://www.cciarts.org/cgi/page.cgi/cali_grants.htm) - [2025 Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.cciarts.org/_Library/docs/2025_CALI_Catalyst_Guidelines_052725.pdf) *(for reference; 2026 guidelines to be announced)* - [Application Preview (PDF)](https://www.cciarts.org/_Library/docs/2025_CALI_Catalyst_Application_Preview_052725.pdf) - [Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)](https://www.cciarts.org/_Library/docs/2025_CALI_Catalyst_Frequently_Asked_Questions_060925.pdf) - [CCI Submittable Application Portal](https://centerforculturalinnovation.submittable.com) - [CCI Mission & History](https://www.cciarts.org/mission_history.html) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |--------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Email | [grants@cciarts.org](mailto:grants@cciarts.org) (include "CALI Catalyst" in subject) | | Phone | 415.288.0530 or 213.687.8577 | | Office Hours | [Schedule via Calendly](https://calendly.com/imah-cciarts/grant-office-hours) | | Relay Service| [California Relay Service](https://caconnect.org/relay/) (for Deaf/hard-of-hearing) |

CALI Catalyst

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