General Operating Support was called out in the Ordinance to support organizational stability for arts and cultural organizations that reflect the cultural, geographic, and demographic diversity of the City of Fresno; and reflect the proportion of each grantee’s overall operations that serves residents within, or visitors to, the City of Fresno’s sphere of influence. Grants shall prioritize organizations and programs that support and expand diverse public or youth engagement and equity and respond to the priorities of the Cultural Plan.

General Operating Support Grants are intended to provide core support to Cultural Arts Organizations to sustain and increase community access to a broad and diverse range of opportunities in the arts. The General Operating Support grant provides direct funding for ongoing operations. This grant contributes to a robust and diverse arts workforce and infrastructure. Funds may be used to support any eligible expenses associated with the general operations of Cultural Arts Organizations, including but not limited to rent, utilities, and staff salaries incurred within the territorial limits of the City of Fresno.

Applying for this grant does not restrict an organization from applying for other project-based grants. General Operating Support grants are intended to support the applicant organization in carrying out its mission. Funding is not intended to support a specific project.

Emerging Arts and Culture Organization Support Grants may be awarded to Operating Support Grant applicants who meet the following criteria: Applicants are limited to nonprofit arts and cultural organizations with annual revenue less than $50,000, regardless of years of operation; such organizations may apply for support of up to 100% of their annual revenue. Emerging Arts and Culture Organizations are encouraged to apply for Operating Support Grants that build capacity and expand their ability to reach and serve residents and visitors in the City of Fresno. Emerging Arts and Culture Organization Support Grants prioritize investment reflective of the cultural, demographic, and geographic diversity of Fresno, and respond to the priorities of the Cultural Plan.

Project Specific Grants will be made to support specific projects that respond to the goals of the Cultural Plan. Project Specific Grants can be used to pay artists’ fees, acquire project-specific supplies and materials, or acquire equipment required to complete the project; venue, and technical costs are additional examples of allowable expenses.

Emerging Arts and Culture Project Specific Grants are available to eligible Project Specific Grant applicants who do not have two years of fiscal history and/or two years of prior activity supporting and expanding access to arts and culture programming, at the time of application submission.

Emerging Arts and Culture Project Specific Grants will not exceed $50,000 each—prioritizing investment reflective of the cultural, demographic, and geographic diversity of Fresno, supporting and expanding diverse public or youth engagement, and equity, and respond to the priorities of the Cultural Plan.