General Operating Support - California Arts Council
Forecasted
General Operating Support from the California Arts Council funds arts and cultural organizations’ ongoing operations to sustain their missions, California’s arts workforce, and cultural infrastructure.
Funder: California Arts Council
Due Dates (Anticipated): May 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $30,000 for one year under the 2026 guidelines
Summary: Supports the ongoing operations of California arts and cultural organizations, prioritizing racial equity and broad geographic reach.
Key Information: Revenue caps are $5 million for arts service/network organizations and $1.5 million for arts producing/presenting organizations.
Description
The California Arts Council’s General Operating Support program provides direct funding to sustain arts and cultural organizations during economic uncertainty. Rather than requiring a specific project, it supports organizations in carrying out their missions and maintaining California’s arts workforce and cultural infrastructure. Eligible operating expenses include rent, utilities, and staff salaries.
The program serves organizations whose primary purpose is arts, creative, or cultural programming and services. This includes creating or exhibiting artistic and cultural work, cultivating arts learning, and providing practical services to artists, creators, culture bearers, and arts organizations. CAC staff assess this purpose through the organization’s mission, purpose statement, and core programs and services. The program reflects the Council’s priorities of racial equity and geographic reach into communities of all sizes and needs.
