City of San Diego Organizational Support Program 2026
This program provides operational funding to nonprofit arts and culture organizations in San Diego to enhance public access to the arts, boost tourism, and strengthen the local creative sector.
The *San Diego Organizational Support Program* (OSP) offers operational funding for nonprofit arts and culture organizations headquartered in San Diego to enhance the city’s creative and cultural landscape. The program is funded by the city’s Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and aims to expand public access to arts, boost tourism, and strengthen the local creative sector. Awards range based on the organization’s operating income and program ranking, with a minimum grant of $10,000. The OSP grant cycle runs from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and includes a requirement for organizations awarded $25,000 or more to host a public arts activity at a San Diego Public Library. Eligible applicants must hold 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) status, operate with an independent board, and demonstrate a mission aligned with promoting arts and culture. The application consists of two parts, with Part 1 due by November 25, 2024, and further eligibility evaluation through a detailed Part 2. First-time applicants must schedule a mandatory technical assistance session before submitting Part 1. Applicants are also required to match funds 1:1 with non-city sources. Key dates include a “cure” period from December 16-23, 2024, for Part 1 adjustments and a Part 2 submission deadline of February 18, 2025. Final funding approvals are incorporated into San Diego's fiscal budget, and awards are disbursed starting in July 2025. The application process includes rigorous criteria across financial management, program impact, community engagement, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices.
Award Range
Not specified - $10,000
Total Program Funding
Not specified
Number of Awards
Not specified
Matching Requirement
Yes - 1:1 match required
Eligible Applicants
Additional Requirements
Who is Eligible to Apply? Your organization is eligible to apply for OSP funding if: ● NONPROFIT STATUS: Your organization holds tax-exempt nonprofit status under section 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code at the time of application that is verifiable by an IRS letter of determination attached to the Part 1 Application; AND ● ORGANIZATION PURPOSE: Your organization is a nonprofit arts and culture organization with a mission statement clearly focused on the development, production, service, or presentation of arts and cultural activities and programming; AND ● PUBLIC BENEFIT: Your organization’s activities must have a clear presentation that is open to the public, or meaningful and accessible engagement component within the activity period. While presentations and participation must be open to the public generally, they may reach specific audiences or charge a fee as long as such restrictions do not discriminate on the bases as described in Section 7; AND ● HISTORY OF OPERATIONS: Your organization has at least two full and consecutive years of operating with its own independent governing board (not under a fiscal sponsor); AND ● SERVICE AREA: Your organization is headquartered in the city of San Diego that can be verified by one of the required proof of address documents to be attached to the Part 1 Application and provides activities in the city of San Diego; AND ● MISSION ALIGNMENT: Your organization operates to fulfill a mission that aligns with the purpose of TOT funding: 1. To enhance the economy and strengthen arts, cultural, and creative sectors; 2. To contribute to San Diego’s national and international reputation as a creative, cultural destination; 3. To provide access to excellence in culture and the arts for residents and visitors; 4. To enrich the lives of the people of San Diego; and 5. To build healthy, vital neighborhoods
Geographic Eligibility
San Diego
Application Opens
July 1, 2025
Application Closes
June 30, 2026
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