CALI Catalyst
CALI Catalyst funds California artists and arts workers whose recent actions have driven measurable, equity-focused change in the arts sector, especially benefiting underrepresented communities.
Funder: Center for Cultural Innovation
Due Dates (Anticipated): July 2026 (Round #1 full application deadline, projected) | August 2026 (Round #2 full application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Up to $7,500 per award; approximately 15 awards per cycle (recent funding pool: $112,500).
Summary: Supports California-based artists and arts workers leading tangible, equity-driven change in the arts and culture sector.
Key Information: All dates are projected; updated guidelines expected June 2026.
Description
The CALI Catalyst grant, administered by the Center for Cultural Innovation (CCI), is designed to support artists and arts workers in California who are actively driving tangible, measurable change within the arts and culture sector—especially changes that shift power and influence to historically underrepresented communities. The program provides unrestricted grants to individuals and teams whose actions have resulted in visible sector-level impact, particularly in advancing equity, inclusion, and access.
CALI Catalyst prioritizes applicants whose work disrupts entrenched systems and practices in the arts and culture sector, and who have played a direct, causal role in creating lasting improvements for BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, rural communities, and other marginalized groups. Funding is not tied to a specific project or future outcome, but rather recognizes and supports ongoing or completed change-making actions initiated on or after January 1, 2020.
