The purpose of the City of Chico Arts Grant Program is to support Chico Arts Organizations and Artists so that they may make quality arts and cultural work, performances, and exhibitions available and accessible to members of the Chico community.
The funding source for the City of Chico Arts Grant Program is 1% percent of the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT).
The minimum award that may be requested is $2,000 and the maximum award is $5,000. Matching funds are required to receive all awards.
An arts or cultural organization is defined as a nonprofit organization which is organized and operated exclusively for the purpose of providing artistic or cultural exhibitions, presentations, or performances or cultural or art education programs.
Arts or cultural organizations may include arts service organizations, community and cultural centers, arts councils, agencies and foundations, dance companies, theaters, music groups, education and training programs, galleries and museums, historic and cultural preservation organizations, horticultural and zoological societies, libraries and archives, literary groups and publications, media arts and multi-disciplinary arts centers.
A nonprofit organization’s income is used to support its operation and does not provide monetary gain to stockholders, board of directors, and others with an interest in the company. Such organizations are defined under the 501(c) section of the federal tax code.
Funds may be used for projects, events, exhibitions, and performances or for capital improvement and equipment projects that support the organization’s ability to provide arts and cultural services. Funds should be considered “seed” monies for projects and not ongoing support.
Funds may not be used for
Grant Application Deadline – 4 p.m. Monday, October 15, 2018
Funding Decisions and Notifications – October 2018
Funding Activity Period – January 1, 2019 – June 30, 2019
Completion of Projects – June 30, 2019
Completion Report due upon completion of project or no later than July 15, 2019.
All grant applications must offer a dollar–for-dollar (1:1) match. A cash match may be from corporate or private contributions, state or federal government funds, or earned income. City of Chico funds cannot be used as a match. Applicant must indicate whether matching funds are projected, pending, or committed.
The review panel will evaluate applications based on the following criteria:
Questions should be directed to the City of Chico Arts Commission by email and check the Arts Commission Facebook page for frequently asked questions, or email the City Clerk at debbie.presson@chicoca.gov.
Applicants who have questions are encouraged to attend a special Community Arts Grant information session on Thursday, October 4, at 4 pm at Conference Room 1 in the Council Chamber Building located at 421 Main Street.
Electronic grant application should be submitted to the North Valley Community Foundation, including budget upload, before 4 pm on Monday, October 15, 2018.
Applications will be evaluated by a panel of five from the City of Chico Arts Commission, Chico Arts and Culture Foundation, and the Chico Chamber of Commerce.
The North Valley Community Foundation will facilitate notification and distribution of awards.
Upon completion of the project and no later than July 15, 2019, a grant project completion report is due to the City of Chico Arts Commission. Report will include: