The Grants Are Part of the Organizational Grant and Community Impact Arts Grant Programs, Which Distributed a Combined $6.4 Million
In a move aimed at bolstering local arts and cultural endeavors, ten nonprofits in Santa Monica have been awarded a total of $265,000 in grants from the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture. This funding, as reported by Patch, is part of a broader initiative to support arts organizations countywide.
The grants are part of the Organizational Grant and Community Impact Arts Grant programs, which distributed a combined $6.4 million to 318 nonprofits across Los Angeles County. This year’s funding represents a significant increase, with the Board of Supervisors allocating an additional $1.2 million to the Organizational Grant program — the first such increase in over 15 years.
The Santa Monica recipients span a diverse range of organizations, each receiving funds tailored to enhance their operations and community impact. Elemental Music, for instance, received $30,000 to strengthen administrative capacities and fund development, while City Garage was granted $16,800 to support its artistic director’s salary, according to Patch.
Meanwhile, the Community Impact Arts Grant program aims to integrate arts into social justice initiatives and service organizations. “CIAG is designed to broaden access to arts programming and encourage collaboration across sectors,” stated department officials.
Applicants from Santa Monica were supported through county workshops and technical assistance, with their submissions evaluated by panels comprising 105 peers from the arts sector. Final award decisions were reviewed by the Arts Commission, an advisory body appointed by the Board of Supervisors, according to Patch.
The grants are expected to facilitate various community-focused projects and initiatives, such as the Santa Monica Pier Restoration Corporation’s “Dia de los Muertos on the Pier,” aimed at enriching cultural experiences for all visitors.