Impact Projects

Purpose: What is the intended impact of this program?
The Impact Projects grant program intends to support collaborative projects that center artists and artistic practice in responding to issues facing California at this time, including the pervasive social, political, and economic inequalities experienced by those communities most vulnerable to, and adversely affected by, the COVID-19 pandemic. This program prioritizes local artists and forms of arts and cultural expression that are unique to, and/or historically rooted in, the specific communities to be served.

Impact Projects grants support arts organizations for collaborations between local artist(s) and community members to develop and express their own creative and artistic goals and address a community-defined need. Collaborative projects will utilize various creative practices to impact social issues affecting their communities, including but not limited to systemic/structural racism, education, poverty, health disparities, housing insecurity, violence, food insecurity, cultural/social justice, intergenerational learning, environmental sustainability, and the digital divide.

Applying for the Impact Projects grant does not restrict an organization from applying for other CAC grants.

Eligible Request Amounts
Applicant organizations can request up to $18,000 for the grant period. This grant does not require matching funds.

Application Links:

Online Application Portal: calartscouncil.smartsimple.com

Grant GuidelinesDownload

Grant Guidelines in SpanishDownload

Application Instructions (coming soon)

Application Instructions in Spanish (coming soon)

Overview Video

Program Timeline:

Application Opens November 30, 2020

Application Deadline February 2, 2021

Panel Review Approx. April – May 2021

Funding Decision Approx. June – July 2021

Funding Notification Approx. June – July 2021

Grant Activity Period October 1, 2021 – September 30, 2022

Final Report Deadline November 1, 2022

Staff Assistance

CAC staff is available to offer guidance and clarification in preparing your proposal. We recommend that you contact staff well in advance of the deadline to ensure you can be accommodated. People who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deaf-Blind, or have difficulty speaking may dial 711 to reach the California Relay Service (CRS). Large print is available upon request.

Organizations with budgets including total operating revenues of less than or equal to $250,000 seeking technical assistance should contact:

Josy Miller, Ph.D. (she/her/hers)
Arts Program Specialist
josy.miller@arts.ca.gov
916-826-0068

Click here to schedule a 15-minute phone consultation with Josy.

Organizations with budgets including total operating revenues of more than $250,000 seeking technical assistance should contact:

J. Andrea Porras (they/them/theirs)
Arts Program Specialist
andrea.porras@arts.ca.gov
916-826-2218

Click here to schedule a 15-minute phone consultation with Andrea.