Best Grants for Performing Arts in California

California 501(c)(3) organizations seeking program or project support in performing arts can apply for funding from the Charles and Mildred Schnurmacher Foundation. The foundation primarily supports program development in New York and southern California, and also funds work in education, health, human services, scientific research, Jewish causes, and animal advocacy.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits running community-based music or visual arts programs can receive up to US $2,500 for scholarships, performances, educational materials, and similar projects. Grants from Hind Foundation help California arts and culture organizations, including those in the performing arts, that fit its funding areas and demonstrate lasting community benefit.

California performing arts and cultural 501(c)(3) organizations can receive up to US $5,000 to present projects that deepen understanding of Japanese arts and culture. Focused on Japanese arts programming, the United States-Japan Foundation supports performances, exhibitions, film screenings, lectures, and symposia, covering costs like publicity, artist honoraria, travel, shipping, and facility fees within the 13 western states.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations offering vocational, arts, or enrichment programs for youth 18 and under in the San Francisco Bay Area can seek funding for pre-vocational, vocational, and related training. With a mission to support innovative education, Miranda Lux Foundation provides California performing and visual arts programs that build core job skills with grant support.

Nonprofit organizations providing direct services in Los Angeles County can seek funding for performing arts, education, health, and human services needs. Ralph M. Parsons Foundation provides California nonprofits with flexible support for general operations, capital projects, programs, and staff positions, prioritizing groups that enrich civic and cultural life and serve vulnerable communities.

California nonprofits, public schools, and school districts supporting children, youth, and families can access funding through S H Cowell Foundation for place-based programs in Northern and Central California communities facing acute poverty. Performing arts and other youth programs that advance education, mental health, racial equity, and community development may be competitive when rooted in local resident leadership.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on community development, basic needs, workforce education, arts, or related initiatives can access funding through Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s sponsorship program. Support may benefit performing arts organizations that contribute to local economic, social, or cultural life, with grants awarded at the foundation’s discretion based on priorities like housing, jobs, and hunger.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and eligible public entities in California serving Los Angeles County can seek $100,000 - $1,000,000 for arts and culture, including performing arts, education, health, and community services projects. Grants from W. M. Keck Foundation help expand, pilot, or scale high-impact initiatives for low-income children, youth, families, and special needs populations.

Nonprofit organizations running school-connected arts programs for economically vulnerable youth ages 5–18 in California’s Bay Area can apply for Morris Stulsaft Foundation support. Focused on participation in the arts, it invites California performing and visual arts programs in Alameda, Marin, northern San Mateo, San Francisco, and west Contra Costa counties to provide at least 15 hours of immersive instruction.

Nonprofit organizations and fiscally sponsored groups in California planning community festivals in Berkeley can receive up to US $7,000 for event-related costs. Focused on community culture and heritage, the City of Berkeley invites performing arts and cultural festival organizers to fund artist stipends, equipment, production staff, materials, and venue or permit fees.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering academic and cultural enrichment, including performing arts programs for children and youth, can apply for Henry Mayo Newhall Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $20,000. Eligible organizations serve communities in the Santa Clarita Valley, San Francisco, or Santa Maria Valley areas and may request single- or multi-year program support.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits, education institutions, youth organizations, and other eligible charities can seek funding for education, STEM, literacy, workforce development, and youth development projects through PacifiCorp/Pacific Power/Rocky Mountain Power Foundation. Grants up to US $10,000 support programs in Del Norte, Lassen, Modoc, Siskiyou, and other Pacific Power service-area counties, which may include performing arts components tied to education or youth development.

Nonprofit schools and school-affiliated groups in Carlsbad, California can receive up to US $3,500 per grant to deliver arts-focused programs, activities, and events, including performing arts. City of Carlsbad Cultural Arts Division funding supports projects involving professional artists, spanning performing, visual, digital, culinary, creative writing, and STEAM arts, with up to three grants per school site annually.

California 501(c)(3) arts and culture nonprofits with Santa Clara County as their home base can receive general operating support for performances, productions, and exhibitions open to the public. Focused on artistic vibrancy, diversity, and accessibility, Silicon Valley Creates invites organizations with budgets between $250,000 and $1.5 million to strengthen their local cultural impact.

Nonprofit professional theatres producing contemporary, issue-driven plays in California and other eligible Western states can receive US $10,000 - US $25,000 for productions and organizational change projects. Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation funds artistic, production, and community engagement costs, plus limited change capital for new business models, community connection efforts, or support for new leaders.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, educational institutions, youth groups, cultural organizations, and health and human services providers in California communities served by Pacific Power can seek funding for community enhancement and environmental respect projects. With a mission to support local vitality, PacifiCorp/Pacific Power/Rocky Mountain Power Foundation provides grants up to US $10,000 for efforts like affordable housing, community centers, parks, trails, and conservation.

Grants support 501(c)(3) organizations providing performing arts, education, health, human services, religion, and related programs in California’s Los Angeles County and South Dakota, with awards of US $5,000 - US $20,000. Grants from Adams-Mastrovich Family Foundation prioritize social services for women, including domestic violence survivors, mentally ill women, and programs offering housing, self-sufficiency, and music or theater opportunities.

California 501(c)(3) presenters, tribal governments, public agencies, and higher education institutions can use this funding to present touring performers and literary artists in their communities. Creative West provides US $2,000 - US $3,000 for artist fees, travel, facilities, accessibility, marketing, and related administration, prioritizing rural and underserved Western-region audiences and requiring a 1:1 non-federal cash match for most applicants.

San Luis Obispo County nonprofits and fiscally sponsored projects working in arts and culture, environment, health, or human services can seek program support through this competitive general grants program in California. The San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation offers up to US $20,000 for work delivered within the county, including performing arts that engage youth, diversify audiences, and enhance community well-being.

Aspiring artistic and managing directors in the San Francisco Bay Area performing arts scene can apply with a partner theatre company for Theatre Bay Area’s Arts Leadership Residency, which awards US $12,000 for a 12–16 week residency. Eligible Bay Area theatre companies and residents jointly design a mentored leadership role and significant creative project.

Performing arts and cultural nonprofits in California counties served by Pacific Power can apply for Pacific Power Foundation grants up to US $10,000 to support arts festivals, music, theater, museums, and visual arts. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and some government entities in Del Norte, Lassen, Modoc, Siskiyou, and other listed counties may benefit.

Performing arts and other arts nonprofits in California communities served by Rocky Mountain Power or Pacific Power can apply for Rocky Mountain Power Foundation’s competitive grants, awarding US $2,000 - US $5,000 for arts and culture programming. Eligible 501(c)(3) cultural organizations, educational institutions, and related groups in the listed service-area counties may benefit.

Nonprofit arts organizations and fiscally sponsored groups in California’s Los Angeles County can receive two-year support for arts programming, events, and related operating activities that serve local communities. Grants from Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture help California performing and visual arts organizations fund planning, implementation, and small or large projects, with awards up to US $250,000.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.