The deadline to apply for the Alameda County Arts Commission’s 2022 ARTSFUND Grant Program is next week. Applicants must apply online by Tuesday, Feb. 8, at 5 p.m.

The organization must be a nonprofit to apply. The organization must have an annual operating budget under $1 million to receive a grant.

The commission’s grant program is open to all art forms — dance, literature, media arts, music, theater, visual arts, traditional arts and crafts, multidisciplinary programs, etc.

The goals of the program are to:
• Promote the development of Alameda County as a center for all art forms and creative expression;
• Increase the offerings of high-quality arts programs;
• Advance arts organizations of all sizes with an emphasis on small and mid-budget sized organizations;
• Promote arts organizations with unique and innovative programs;
• Encourage arts organizations in communities that have relatively few established arts programs;
• Promote participation in arts activities by Alameda County’s diverse community;
• Encourage Alameda County organizations that provide arts programming as the total focus of the organization.

Last year, 82 organizations, including three Alameda organizations (Friends of the Alameda Free Library, Rhythmix Cultural Works and West End Arts District), received a grant. Friends of the Alameda Free Library (FOL) received a $2,100 grant (“Friends of Library Receives Grant,” July 29, 2021). FOL stated previously they will use the money, which runs through June 30, 2023, to pay for Friends @ Home Art Docent and Author Talk series and the Live @ the Library jazz series. In response to COVID-19, FOL moved the Art Docent Talks and Author Events to an online format, called “Friends @ Home.”

Grant compensation to nonprofit organizations ranged from $600 to 2,100. The commission doled out a total of $150,400.

The Arts Commission provides services to local artists and arts organizations and is a leader in regional arts advocacy efforts. The commission funds and supports all types of programs throughout the county.

Funding for the ARTSFUND Grant Program is provided by the County of Alameda, individual contributions submitted with County property tax payments, and donations to the Foundation for the Arts in Alameda County.

Interested applicants should review the guidelines and application.

For more information about the program and the application process, visit the Alameda County Arts Commission website at www.acgov.org/arts/html/programs.html.