Small Arts Grants

The Small Arts Grants Program, administered by the Fleishhacker Foundation, provides financial support to arts and culture organizations in San Francisco, Alameda, and Contra Costa counties. This program focuses on funding innovative work by Bay Area artists in disciplines such as dance, music, theater, visual arts, interdisciplinary arts, and film. Grants range from $5,000 to $10,000, with most awards closer to $5,000. Applications for the spring 2025 review cycle are due by January 15, 2025, and funding decisions will be communicated in May 2025. To be eligible, organizations must hold 501(c)(3) status or operate under a fiscal sponsor and have an annual budget between $100,000 and $749,999 (or be fiscally sponsored by an organization with a budget above $100,000). Applicants must have maintained an artistic presence in the Bay Area for at least three years and must produce and present new work by local artists. Funded projects must take place between May 15, 2025, and April 15, 2026, and applicants must compensate artists for their work. The program prioritizes organizations that engage and represent marginalized artists and communities, including people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, people with disabilities, and under-resourced populations. Grants are intended to provide flexible general support, which can be used for operational and administrative costs, staffing, facilities, health and safety compliance, rehearsals, performances, exhibitions, and other related expenses. For filmmakers, the program exclusively supports post-production costs, requiring a completed rough cut and a total project budget under $750,000. Applications must be submitted through the foundation’s online portal and include detailed information such as the organization’s mission, history, and artistic projects planned for the grant period. Financial documentation, including current and past budgets and lists of confirmed and pending grants, is required. Applicants may also submit optional supporting materials, such as press reviews or video samples. Fiscally sponsored organizations must provide sponsorship agreements and details about their advisory boards. The application process occurs in two cycles annually: spring and fall. Organizations that apply in one cycle cannot reapply in the next, regardless of whether they were funded. For the spring cycle, applications are due by January 15, 2025, with decisions announced in May. This program offers vital support to organizations that contribute to the cultural and artistic vibrancy of the Bay Area. Additional details and application resources are available on the Fleishhacker Foundation’s website.