A young girl painting a figurine yellow. Text reads: Arts Education Grant Program

The 2024 Arts Education grant program is now closed. Invitations for this grant program will be made again in spring 2025.

Grant Program Overview

High-quality arts education and expression play a vital role in fostering creativity, critical thinking, healing, and emotional well-being. Engaging in the arts has been shown to enhance cognitive skills, promote personal expression, strengthen community connections, and contribute to cultural vibrancy. Arts Education can be an artistic experience that is also linked to improved overall well-being, increased social engagement, and a greater sense of belonging.

Community Foundation Sonoma County is committed to equitable access to arts education, and our grant program supports nonprofits that provide high-quality arts education in the community. Arts education curricula should be delivered by qualified Sonoma County visual, performing, or literary artists providing instruction and creative experiences.

The Arts Education Grant Program is invitation only. If you feel your organization meets the criteria outlined below and should be considered, please get in touch with us. 

Grant Program Criteria

Criteria for this grant program include:

  • Providing the opportunity to create and share works of art within the visual, literary, and/or performing arts
  • Prioritizing equitable access to the arts, increasing opportunities for marginalized community members and those seeking healing through artistic expression and greater community belonging
  • Requesting organization is a Sonoma County 501(c)(3) nonprofit or an organization fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit

How to Apply

Applications will be made available to those who are invited to apply. If you have a program or project that you believe fits the Arts Education grant program criteria, please contact Jose Castro Gambino at jcastro@sonomacf.org. 

2024 Grant Summary

11 grants were awarded in 2024. The median grant size was $10,000.

Organization
Art Escape
Knights of Indulgence Theatre United States
Life On Earth Art
Museum of Sonoma County
On the Margins, Inc.
Play it Forward Music Foundation
Sonoma Community Center
Sonoma Valley Education Foundation
Sonoma Valley Museum of Art
The California Theatre of Santa Rosa
ViVO Youth Orchestras
For questions about the Arts Education grant program, please contact:
José Castro Gambino

José Castro Gambino

Senior Community Impact Officer

707.360.6140
Amy Holter

Amy Holter

Vice President for Community Impact

707.303.9621