Arts and Youth

At a glance

Arts and Youth is a closed California state grant opportunity from CA Arts Council (State of California). The application deadline was May 12, 2026. Applicant types listed as eligible include nonprofit, public agency and tribal government. It is listed on the California Grants Portal. Cost sharing is not required.

Summary assembled from the official notice's fields. The official notice governs.

Key facts

Mar 23, 2026Posted
May 12, 2026Application deadline

Opened: Mar 23, 2026
Close date: May 12, 2026
Award floor: Not specified
Award ceiling: Not specified
Est. total funding: Not specified
Expected awards: Not specified
Matching funds: Not required
Funding instrument: Grant

Program details (as published on the California Grants Portal)

Type: Grant
Funding source: State
Matching funds: Not Required
Funding method: Advance(s) — See the program guidelines for specific funding priorities. https://arts.ca.gov/2026_artsandyouth_guidelines
Estimated number of awards: Dependant on number of submissions received, application process, etc.
Estimated award amounts: Dependant on number of submissions received, application process, etc.
Award period: 10/1/2026-9/30/2027
Expected award announcement: 9/26/2026
Letter of intent: Not required
Geography: Applicants must have a principal place of business in California.
How to submit: Online: https://calartscouncil.smartsimple.com/

Who can apply

Applicant categories as listed on the California Grants Portal. GrantsJunction maps them to detailed applicant types for search and matching.

Nonprofit
Public Agency
Tribal Government

Additional information on eligibility (from the listing)

Organizations eligible to apply include: Nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3), California organizations Units of municipal, county or Tribal governments Fiscally sponsored organizations

Can your organization apply?

A quick check against the listed applicant types — other requirements in the notice still apply.

Based on the published notice. Review the official notice for complete eligibility requirements.

What it funds

Purpose and description as published on the California Grants Portal.

Purpose

The Arts and Youth program expands meaningful arts participation and learning in diverse settings and contexts for infants, children, and youth ages 0-25 by prioritizing programs that directly bridge barriers to access and participation.

Description

The Arts and Youth program is rooted in the CAC’s belief that arts learning and engagement should be available to all young people in California. Providing access to meaningful, culturally responsive arts experiences helps youth develop a greater sense of self, deepen their connection to their communities, and make meaningful connections across histories and cultures. By participating in the arts, youth gain the knowledge, skills, and understanding to actively take part in creative processes, projects, and pursuits throughout their lifetimes as culturally literate, engaged citizens. The CAC acknowledges that barriers to access are compounded by factors such as socio-economic status, geographic isolation, gender identity, racial identity, cultural identity, digital divide and disability and is committed to addressing these barriers in order to achieve greater equity. The Arts and Youth program expands meaningful arts participation and learning in diverse settings and contexts for infants, children, and youth ages 0-25 by prioritizing programs that directly bridge barriers to access and participation.

Program page on the agency site ↗

Program contact (as published)

Emily Taggart
artsyouthgrant@arts.ca.gov
1-916-322-6555

Quick answers

Who is eligible to apply for “Arts and Youth”?

The official listing names these applicant types as eligible: Nonprofit, Public Agency and Tribal Government. It adds: “Organizations eligible to apply include: Nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3), California organizations Units of municipal, county or Tribal governments Fiscally sponsored organizations” Additional restrictions may apply; review the full guidelines.

How do I apply for “Arts and Youth”?

Applications go directly to CA Arts Council, not through GrantsJunction. Submission: online at https://calartscouncil.smartsimple.com/. Read the program guidelines on the agency's site first; state programs set their own forms and registration requirements.

Other open California state opportunities, matched on agency, categories and wording.

OpenState of California