Applications are available annually for each funding category. Applications are posted on our website.  To request materials or to be placed on our mailing list, please call (510) 238-2103.  Applications are available on our website and at our offices (1 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 9th Floor, Oakland, CA 94612).

No. One of the key eligibility requirements of the Cultural Funding Program is that all applicants must be Oakland-based (i.e., have an Oakland address—P.O. Boxes are not adequate).

No. City funds only support projects and programs that serve the local community in Oakland.

Yes. Individual artists may apply to the Individual Artist Project Support category as well as the Art in the Schools Program.

No. Each year the program receives far more requests than it can accommodate. If your organization does not receive funding this year you may reapply in the future.

We prefer that applicants have 501(c)3 status, however an organization may be eligible to apply if it uses a valid fiscal sponsor. See specific program guidelines.

The City of Oakland generally supports only a portion of an applicant's operating/project budget. Request amounts and matching fund requirements vary from program to program. Please refer to the Guidelines for the funding category to which you plan to apply. Requests should be made with the understanding that the Cultural Funding Program resources are limited. Funding recommendations and actual awards are generally considerably less than the amount requested.

Government agencies are entrusted to spend public tax dollars wisely and equitably. The City is required to fully document the spending as well as the eligibility of those receiving money. Having complete applications and back-up materials does this in the case of questions or audits.

1. Staff reviews all applications for eligibility and completeness. If an application is incomplete and/or deemed ineligible, the application will not be forwarded for review and will be returned to the applicant.
2. Eligible applications are forwarded to the appropriate review panels. Some panelists make site visits to assigned organizations (Organizational Assistance Program only).
3. Panels convene in open meetings to discuss and evaluate applications.
4. The Cultural Affairs Commission meets to review panel recommendations, adjust recommendations if necessary, and forward funding recommendations to the Life Enrichment Committee of the Oakland City Council.
5. The Oakland City Council makes final approval of funding awards.
6. Applicants approved for funding are notified of award amounts and receive City contracting materials.