CALI Futures
CALI Futures funds California artists and cultural workers creating alternative, systemic approaches to income, ownership, and community for a more sustainable and equitable arts sector.
Funder: Center for Cultural Innovation
Due Dates: August 28, 2026: Full application submission deadline (Applications due by 11:59 a.m. PT)
Funding Amounts: $5,000 per project award | Approx. 20 grants/year | $100,000 total annual funding
Summary: Supports California artists and cultural workers advancing alternative, systemic efforts for sustainability, creative ownership, and community in the arts sector.
Key Information: For individuals and teams; projects must focus on alternative efforts within California’s arts/culture sector; full-time California residency required.
Description
This grant supports artists and cultural workers across California who are contributing to alternative efforts outside of conventional nonprofit and for-profit arts and culture systems. CALI Futures is designed to uplift individuals and teams working on projects centered around income, ownership, and care, with the aim of fostering systemic change for greater financial stability, creative ownership, and deeper community connections in the arts ecosystem. The program funds efforts at any project stage—from concept to research, implementation, experimentation, and reflection—that have the potential to transform artists’ lives and the future of arts and culture in California.
