For any questions about Special Project Grants, please contact Senior Program Officer Jaren Bonillo at jaren.bonillo@sfgov.org or 415-252-2227.

Translation

A translation of this grant application is available upon request; however, only applications in English will be accepted.

Una traducción de esta solicitud de aplicación está disponible a petición; sin embargo, solamente se aceptarán solicitudes en inglés. Favor comunicarse con Lorena Moreno al 415-252-2211 ó lorena.moreno@sfgov.org para una traducción al español.

此拨款申请书的翻译版本将应请求而提供；然而，只有英文版本的申请书才会被接纳。联系电话：311

Ang pagsasalin sa Tagalog ng aplikasyon para sa pagkalooban na ito ay makukuha kung hihingilin. Ngunit ang aplikasyon sa Ingles lamang ang aming tatanggapin. Para sa tulong, maaring i-contact si Sandra Panopio, 415-252-2217 o sandra.panopio@sfgov.org.

APPLY NOW!   

SPX GUIDELINES (PDF) 

SPX INSTRUCTIONS (pdf)

Jump to:
Important Dates
Information about Special Project Grants
Who Can Apply
Panel Evaluation & Scoring Criteria

Important Dates

About the Special Project Grants (SPX)

The Special Project Grants (SPX) program consists of one-time grants to address emerging needs within the arts ecosystem of San Francisco. Projects cover a wide range of arts activities related to neighborhood and/or community-based engagement and arts access. The San Francisco Arts Commission (SFAC) has allocated resources to make grants in multiple program areas based on supervisorial districts and/or specific communities.

Applicants may only apply for funding specific to those geographic areas or communities outlined within these guidelines. For questions about this grant category, please contact Senior Program Officer Jaren Bonillo at jaren.bonillo@sfgov.org or 415-252-2227.

Racial equity statement

The San Francisco Arts Commission (SFAC) is committed to creating a city where all artists and cultural workers have the freedom, resources and platform to share their stories, art and culture and where race does not predetermine one’s success in life. We also acknowledge that we occupy traditional and unceded Ohlone land. Fueled by these beliefs, we commit to addressing the systemic inequities within our agency, the City and County of San Francisco and the broader arts and culture sector. This work requires that we focus on race as we confront inequities of the past, reveal inequities of the present and develop effective strategies to move all of us towards an equitable future.

Priority funding goes to artists that are deeply rooted in and reflective of communities listed in the Arts Commission’s 1993 Cultural Equity Endowment Legislation and informed by current best practices in racial equity. These communities include:  African and African American; Latinx; Asian and Asian American; Arab; Native American; Pacific Islander; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Queer; Transgender and Gender Variant People; People with Disabilities; and Women. (SF ADMIN. CODE CHAPTER 68: CULTURAL EQUITY ENDOWMENT FUND. Sec. 68.6. PROJECT GRANTS).

If you are a part of a community not listed that you feel should be included, we encourage applicants to articulate and provide supporting evidence regarding the historical and current inequities experienced by your community.

maximum grant REQUEST AMOUNTs

Special Project Grants vary project to project and the award amounts in this cycle range from $17,000 to $700,000 based on current budget availability. Should additional City funding become available, grant amounts could be increased. Please refer to each category and project description for the eligible request amount.

Grant Term
A grant funded pursuant to these guidelines will have a grant term of up to two years. The City at its sole, absolute discretion shall have the option to extend the term for additional years as determined by the Arts Commission.

The San Francisco Arts Commission reserves the right to: reissue these guidelines and request for applications; reject any or all applications; prior to application deadline, modify all or any portion of the selection procedures, including deadlines for accepting responses, the specifications or requirements for any services to be provided under this Solicitation or the requirements for content or format of the applications.

How to Apply

APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT: https://sfac.tfaforms.net/131

Applications must be submitted online. Emailed or faxed applications are not accepted.

In fairness to others, we cannot accept late or incomplete applications. If the applicant does not provide the complete set of information in the appropriate format by the deadline, the application may be deemed incomplete and ineligible. No deadline extensions will be granted.

NEW: If you need special accommodations, you must contact Senior Program Officer Jaren Bonillo at jaren.bonillo@sfgov.org or (415) 252-2227 at least one week before the application deadline, in order for us to appropriately accommodate.
 

Who Can Apply

Eligibility

• The applicant organization or fiscal sponsor must be tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3).
   
• The applicant organization or fiscal sponsor must be San Francisco-based, and must demonstrate two years of programmatic activity (since September 2019) except for District 3 Support for AAPI Arts and Cultural Programming.
   
• The applicant organization’s mission statement must be clearly focused on the development, production, and/or presentation of arts activities in San Francisco or clearly aligns with the intent and purpose of the applicable grant category.
   
• The applicant organization cannot be part of another City agency or department.
   
• Applicants must not be in default on any grants or loans from: (1) SFAC; (2) other City departments (including, without limitation, the Department of Children, Youth and Their Families, Office of Economic and Workforce Development, Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development and Grants for the Arts); (3) Northern California Grantmakers Arts Loan Fund; (4) Community Vision Capital and Consulting; (5) Community Arts Stabilization Trust; and/or (6) the Center for Cultural Innovation. This default clause was expanded due to the fact that SFAC has fiduciary relationships with these particular organizations, through either shared City resources or other pooled philanthropic funds.
   
• The proposed project must take place in San Francisco between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2023, or as indicated in the specific grant category.
   
• The organization must be willing and able to meet the requirements associated with receiving funds from the City and County of San Francisco. In order to receive a grant payment from the San Francisco Arts Commission, the organization must become a registered, compliant supplier and meet the City of San Francisco's insurance and business tax requirements. For more information about supplier requirements, visit: https://sfcitypartner.sfgov.org/pages/become-a-supplier.aspx
  
  Please note: you will only be required to register as a City Supplier if you are approved for funding.

​restrictions

• Applicants cannot submit more than one application for each SPX project area.
   
• The awarding of funds does not imply that the Arts Commission or any other City agency will produce, exhibit or present the art created. It is the responsibility of the applicant to secure required permits for public presentations or workshops.

ineligible expenses

Grant funds may not pay for:

1. Activities outside of San Francisco;
2. Deficit reduction.

Categories and Project Descriptions

District numbers can be found at: http://propertymap.sfplanning.org

1. District 1 Neighborhood Art Walk: Support up to $17,000 over two years for a neighborhood-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) or fiscally sponsored neighborhood or merchant organization, association or volunteer coalition to produce a one-time neighborhood and community-focused art walk in a District 1 commercial corridor.

Applicants should address the following within their proposed project:

• The organization’s history and previous experiences working cooperatively with merchants and other neighborhood-based partners, such as neighborhood associations and/or schools on neighborhood-based events.
• How the organization will outreach and engage the neighborhood.
• How diverse art forms will be integrated into the event; highlighting family-friendly arts-based activities such as hands-on art making, performances and/or art exhibitions.
• A budget that reflects payment to San Francisco-based artists.

2. District 1 Mural Creation and Preservation: Support up to $17,000 over two years for an arts nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization located in District 1 with experience developing and restoring murals. Funds should be used to support the preservation and restoration of a mural in San Francisco.

Applicants should address the following within their proposed project:

• Demonstrated history of successfully working with communities to develop, execute, preserve and restore murals.
• Demonstrated history of successfully and authentically working with the local Richmond District community through a collaborative process.
• Proposed leadership conveys confidence that the activities supported through this grant will be successfully executed.

3. District 2 and 8 Trans Dance Festival: Support up to $100,000 over two years for an arts nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that focuses on dance and is deeply rooted within the Trans community. Funds should be used to support the production of a Transgender dance festival.

Applicants should address the following within their proposed project:

• Demonstrated history of successfully providing arts programming in dance.
• Demonstrated history of successfully and authentically working with the local Transgender community.
• Proposed leadership conveys confidence that the activities supported through this grant will be successfully executed.
• A clear plan, which indicates where funds are needed to stabilize and strengthen the organization.

4. District 3 Art Walk: Support up to $42,500 over two years for a neighborhood-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) or fiscally sponsored neighborhood or merchant organization, association or volunteer coalition to produce a neighborhood and community-focused art walk in the District 3 commercial corridor.

Applicants should address the following within their proposed project:

• The organization’s history and previous experiences working cooperatively with merchants and other neighborhood-based partners, such as neighborhood associations and/or schools on neighborhood-based events.
• How the organization will outreach and engage the neighborhood.
• How diverse art forms will be integrated into the event; highlighting family friendly arts-based activities such as hands-on art making, performances and/or art exhibitions.
• A budget that reflects payment to San Francisco-based artists. 

5. District 3 Support for API Youth Arts Initiative: Support for up to $700,000 for two years for an arts nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization located in Chinatown with at least a ten-year history of contemporary arts programming to implement a multidisciplinary youth art program and emerging artist residency. Funds should be used to operate a youth arts program and emerging artist residency based in a storefront alleyway space in Chinatown, produce public artworks and activations or events in Chinatown that support neighborhood recovery, builds neighborhood activism, and generates solidarity and anti-Asian hate awareness.

Applicants should address the following within their proposed project:

• Demonstrated history of successfully working with underserved communities and artists to develop and execute community arts projects.
• Demonstrated history of producing multilingual and/or multicultural artworks and collaborating with bilingual and immigrant artists.
• Demonstrated history of successfully working in and ongoing cross-sector partnerships with community organizations on relevant issues in Chinatown.
• Demonstrated history of working with diverse and underserved BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) artists.
• Proposed leadership conveys confidence that the activities supported through this grant will be successfully executed.

6. District 3 Support for AAPI Artists Fund: Support for up to $250,000 for two years for an arts nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with at least a ten-year history deeply rooted in the AAPI community and located in Chinatown to re-grant funds to 20 AAPI artists or artist collaboratives based in San Francisco (up to $10,000 to each individual/collaborative).

Applicants should address the following within their proposed project:

• Demonstrated connection to a local network of Asian American and Pacific Islander artists.
• Demonstrated history of successfully conducting outreach to artists in immigrant communities through methods like as bilingual media outreach.
• Demonstrated history of collaborating with bilingual and immigrant artists.
• Demonstrated administrative capacity to pay artists in a timely manner.
• Proposed leadership conveys confidence that the activities supported through this grant will be successfully executed.

7. District 3 Support for AAPI Arts and Cultural Programming: Support for up to $350,000 for two years for an arts and media nonprofit collaborative startup located in Chinatown that has physical space or is in contract to purchase a physical space in Chinatown that is dedicated to a long-term programming vision for a new narrative focused on social justice and equity. Funding should be used to support temporary public art, storefront art, arts festivals, art and education programming throughout District 3, addressing Chinatown’s economic recovery and narrative change for Chinatown and AAPIs, as well as arts and education programming out of a central Chinatown storefront space.

Applicants should address the following within their proposed project:

• Demonstrated history of strong partnership and ongoing collaboration with AAPI organizations in planning and housing, civil rights, media, immigration and contemporary arts.
• Demonstrated history of developing anti-racism programs utilizing art and education that build solidarity with communities of color through narrative change.
• Proposed leadership conveys confidence that the activities supported through this grant will be successfully executed.

8. District 5 Juneteenth Celebration: Support up to $85,000 over two years for an arts nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization or fiscally sponsored entity to provide arts programming and/or event(s) to commemorate Juneteenth. Activities may include gallery shows, workshops and classes, special events and general community engagement. The organization will be responsible for event management and on-site security and maintenance.  

Applicants should address the following within their proposed project:

• The organization’s history and experience producing community engagement opportunities through the arts.
• Demonstrate strong leadership and partnerships that conveys confidence that the proposed activities will be successful.
• A budget that reflects payments to San Francisco-based artists.
• Ability to convene a working group that includes community stakeholders to prepare a collaborative Juneteenth celebration.

Applicants should address the following within their proposed project:

• The organization or entity’s history and experience producing community engagement opportunities through the arts.
• Demonstrate strong leadership and partnerships that conveys confidence that the proposed activities will be successful.
• A clear plan which indicates where funds are needed to stabilize and strengthen the organization or entity.

10. District 5 Administration Support – Western Addition: Support up to $136,000 over two years for an arts nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization located in the Western Addition. This organization should have a deep history of serving the African American community through arts and cultural events and programming. Funds should be used to support administrative infrastructure and capacity building for the organization.

Applicants should address the following within their proposed project:

• The organization’s history and experience producing cultural events and programming through the arts in the Western Addition.
• Demonstrate strong leadership and partnerships that conveys confidence that the proposed activities will be successful.
• A clear plan which indicates where funds are needed to stabilize and strengthen the organization.

11. District 5 Youth Storytelling: Support up to $10,000 for one year for an arts nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization deeply rooted in the Japanese American community with at least a twenty-year history of providing culturally specific arts programming. Funds should be used to support programming in District 5 that supports intergenerational learning and works to uplift cultural bearers that represent the Asian American diaspora. 

Applicants should address the following within their proposed project:

• Demonstrated history of successfully executing culturally specific arts and cultural events and/or activities.
• Demonstrated history of successfully and authentically working within the Japanese American community, as well as the broader diaspora of the Asian American community.
• Proposed leadership conveys confidence that the activities supported through this grant will be successfully executed.

12. District 5 Fillmore Jazz Programs: Support up to $60,000 over two years for an arts nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization based in District 5 dedicated to rejuvenating jazz in San Francisco. Funds should be used to support 6-8 outdoor jazz performances annually in the Fillmore/Western Addition featuring distinct jazz groups in public spaces or parks.

Applicants should address the following within their proposed project:

• Demonstrated history of successfully hosting jazz jam sessions, production workshops and music concerts.
• Demonstrated history of featuring the African influence on jazz.
• Proposed leadership conveys confidence that the activities supported through this grant will be successfully executed.

13. District 5 Artist Mentorship: Support up to $45,000 for one year for an arts nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization based in District 9 that specializes in aerosol art to provide artist mentorships. The organization must have a history of building bridges between property managers and the street art community. Funds should be used to paint art on exterior surfaces and dining parklets under a master artist’s mentorship with a focus on the Black community.

Applicants should address the following within their proposed project:

• The organization’s demonstrated history commissioning murals and transforming walls and alleys into outdoor gallery spaces.
• Proposed outreach plan to solicit appropriate mentees and mentorship curriculum that develops artistic skill and appreciation for street art.
• Plans to identify exterior surfaces and dining parklets to paint in D5.
• Proposed leadership conveys confidence that the activities supported through this grant will be successfully executed.

14. District 6 Veterans Alley Murals: Support up to $20,000 for one year for a Tenderloin-based arts nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization deeply connected to the military veteran community with at least a ten-year history of producing murals by military veterans and maintaining murals located in Veterans Alley (Shannon Street). Funds should be used to pay local community residents to create murals in Veterans Alley, produce community appreciation block parties.

Applicants should address the following within their proposed project:

• Demonstrated history of successfully commissioning murals by military veterans in the Tenderloin.
• Demonstrated history of authentically working with military veterans and supporting a dialogue within the community about the military experience.
• Proposed leadership conveys confidence that the activities supported through this grant will be successfully executed.

15. District 8 Classical Programming for Youth: Support up to $25,500 over two years for an arts nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization based in District 8 to provide music education in SFUSD schools. The organization must have a mission and history of teaching and performing classical music to elementary and middle school youth. Funds should be used to create curriculum materials, pay teaching artist stipends, and for rehearsal time and any expenses directly related to classroom and school assembly performances. Effort must be made to provide classes and workshops in SFUSD schools located in District 8 that serve a diverse and/or historically marginalized community and whose students may not have exposure to classical music.

Applicants should address the following within their proposed project:

• The organization’s demonstrated history producing, presenting and teaching classical music to children and youth.
• Proposed curriculum that is appropriate for the targeted age group of students.
• Proposed leadership conveys confidence that the activities supported through this grant will be successfully executed.

16. District 8 Youth Theater Education: Support up to $85,000 over two years for an arts nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization located in the Mission/Castro area that has over ten years’ experience implementing accessible, low-cost theater education to youth from elementary to high school. Funds should be used to support afterschool programming as well as intensive spring and summer camps. 

Applicants should address the following within their proposed project:

• Demonstrated history of successfully executing theater arts education in the Mission/Castro area.
• Demonstrated history of successfully working with youth.
• Proposed leadership conveys confidence that the activities supported through this grant will be successfully executed.

17. District 8 Community Theater in Castro: Support up to $25,000 for one year for an arts nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that focuses on Queer theater and has existed for over four decades. Funds should be used to build organizational capacity and programming.

Applicants should address the following within their proposed project:

• Demonstrated history of successfully producing professional Queer theater.
• Demonstrated history of authentically working with local Queer artists.
• Proposed leadership conveys confidence that the activities supported through this grant will be successfully executed.

18. District 8 Health and Wellness Theater in Schools: Support up to $100,000 over two years for a theater arts nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with a four-decade history providing high-quality youth education programming. The organization must produce work for Queer and allied audiences. Funds should be used to produce performances that educate youth on navigating challenging issues and making choices that will positively impact their lives.

Applicants should address the following within their proposed project:

• Demonstrated history of successfully executing theater arts education in the schools.
• Demonstrated history of successfully working with youth.
• Proposed leadership conveys confidence that the activities supported through this grant will be successfully executed.

19. District 8 South Asian Film Festival: Support up to $15,000 for one year for a media arts nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with a 20-year history showcasing South Asian independent media. Funds should be used to support the production of a South Asian film festival.

Applicants should address the following within their proposed project:

• Demonstrated history of successfully promoting diverse images of South Asians through independent film.
• Demonstrated history of successfully programming a film festival reflecting the diverse experiences of the South Asian diaspora.
• Proposed leadership conveys confidence that the activities supported through this grant will be successfully executed.

20. District 9 Tenant Improvements for a Dance Organization: Support up to $200,000 for two years for an arts nonprofit 501(c)(3) feminist dance organization. The organization should have a long history presenting dance in the Mission District. Funds should be used for tenant improvements including the installation of an elevator and ADA accessible restrooms to support dance classes and performances in a dance building in the Mission.

Prevailing Wage Requirement: City-funded contractors and sub-contractors responsible for construction or maintenance projects over $1,000 must comply with all local, state and federal prevailing wage laws at the time of bidding. Please visit https://sfgov.org/olse/prevailing-wage for more information.

Applicant organizations must provide (3) three estimates, which include the names and registration numbers of each contractor/sub-contractor. For a current list of registered public works contractors, visit: https://cadir.secure.force.com/ContractorSearch.

For construction related projects over $25,000 or maintenance projects over $15,000, contractors and sub-contractors must  register with the California Department of Industrial Relations at the time of bidding to confirm compliance with prevailing wage rates. For Contractor Registration information, visit: https://www.dir.ca.gov/Public-Works/Contractor-Registration.html.

Applicants should address the following within their proposed project:

• The organization’s history and experience producing cultural events and arts programming in the Mission District.
• Tenant improvement plans for the creative space.
• Demonstrate strong leadership and partnerships that conveys confidence that the proposed activities will be successful.

21. Capacity Building for a Dia de los Muertos-Producing Cultural Organization: Support up to $400,000 over two years for an arts nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization or fiscally sponsored entity that provides artistic programming to highlight the cultural traditions of Dia de los Muertos. Funds should be used to support strengthening the organizational infrastructure and long-term sustainability.

Applicants should address the following within their proposed project:

• Demonstrated history of successfully executing annual Dia de los Muertos events for at least five years.
• Demonstrated history of successfully and authentically working with the local Latinx community.
• Articulation of an intentional capacity building initiative that will work to strengthen the organization and promote long-term sustainability.
• Proposed leadership conveys confidence that the activities supported through this grant will be successfully executed.

22. Citywide LGBT Historical Event Festival: Support up to $25,500 over two years for  arts nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations or fiscally sponsored entities that has a history of producing San Francisco-based, LGBTQ outdoor festivals. Two grants are available.

Applicants should address the following within their proposed project:

• Demonstrated history of successfully executing an outdoor LGBTQ event or festival for at least five years.
• Demonstrated history of successfully and authentically working with the local LGBTQ community.
• Proposed leadership conveys confidence that the activities supported through this grant will be successfully executed.

23. Citywide API Arts Programming: Support up to $170,000 over two years for an arts nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization deeply rooted in the Asian Pacific Islander community with at least a twenty-year history of providing culturally specific arts programming. Funds should be used to support programming or to increase the sustainability of the organization.

Applicants should address the following within their proposed project:

• Demonstrated history of successfully executing culturally specific arts and cultural events and/or activities.
• Demonstrated history of successfully and authentically working with the Asian Pacific Islander, as well as the broader diaspora of the Asian American community.
• Proposed leadership conveys confidence that the activities supported through this grant will be successfully executed.

24. Citywide Support for Asian American Artists: Support up to $150,000 over two years for an arts nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization deeply rooted in the Asian American community with at least a twenty-year history of providing culturally specific arts programming. Funds should be used to support programming or increase the sustainability of the organization.

Applicants should address the following within their proposed project:

• Demonstrated history of supporting Asian American artists and executing culturally specific arts and cultural events and/or activities.
• Demonstrated history of successfully and authentically working with the Asian American community.
• Proposed leadership conveys confidence that the activities supported through this grant will be successfully executed.

25. Citywide Support for Asian and Pacific Islander Arts and Culture Programming: Support up to $100,000 for one year for an arts nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that has a history of producing a multi-disciplinary Asian American and Pacific Islander festival for over 20 years in San Francisco. Funds can be used to support a multi-week AAPI multidisciplinary festival, providing technical assistance and professional development for Asian American artists, core operating support or general operating expenses.

Applicants should address the following within their proposed project:

• Demonstrated history of continuously producing an Asian American and Pacific Islander, multidisciplinary arts festival for over 20 years.
• Demonstrated history of providing technical assistance and professional development to Asian American artists.
• Proposed leadership conveys confidence that the activities supported through this grant will be successfully executed.

INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

General Liability or Special Event Insurance: Coverage with limits not less than $1,000,000 each occurrence and $2,000,000 general aggregate.

• CERTIFICATE HOLDER must read “San Francisco Arts Commission, Attn: Community Investments, 401 Van Ness Ave, Suite 325, San Francisco, CA 94102”.
• Certificates for General Liability and Auto Liability must include an ENDORSEMENT PAGE naming “The City & County of San Francisco, San Francisco Arts Commission, Community Investments, its officers, agents, and employees” as additionally insured.

Commercial Automobile Liability Insurance with limits not less than one million dollars $1,000,000 each occurrence for Combined Single Limit for Bodily Injury and Property Damage, including Owned, Non-Owned and Hired auto coverage, as applicable.  

• You may request a waiver for Auto Liability insurance, if the organization will not be using a vehicle for the main purpose of the grant. 

Sexual Misconduct Insurance: Working with vulnerable populations (minors—under 18 years old, elderly—over 65 years old, developmentally disabled populations) requires that sexual misconduct insurance be added to the general liability policy in amounts not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence, $2,000,000 general aggregate.

Workers Compensation insurance is required for all organizations that have salaried employees; in statutory amounts, with Employers’ Liability limits not less than $1,000,000 each accident, injury, or illness.

• Workers Compensation Insurance is a California State law.
• You may request a waiver for Workers Compensation insurance if the organization does not have employees as defined by the California Labor Code. https://www.dir.ca.gov/dwc/faqs.html   

A Waiver of Subrogation must be added to the workers compensation insurance, if any work that the grant is funding happens on City owned or managed property.

Professional liability Insurance is required from your contractor for professional services related to construction and facility projects, in amounts not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence, $2,000,000 general aggregate. Please visit the CA Department of Consumer Affairs-Contractors State License Board to confirm your contractor is licensed by the State. https://www.cslb.ca.gov/

Panel Evaluation & Scoring Criteria

Please be aware each category will have distinct areas to address, which are listed in the aforementioned Categories and Project Description section above. The review panel will assess all applications and will recommend grants for applicants that strongly meet the review criteria below. The panel’s review of applications and required documents is a multi-step process and involves assigning applications to “Fund” or “Not Fund”. Applications must be assigned a “Fund” by the review panel to be recommended for funding.

Quality of Proposed Project 

• Project goals, vision and process are clearly defined; demonstrate clarity and depth of concepts; and are relevant to requirements of the specific grant category.

Impact

• Strength of the impact of the project on the organization and audience(s) and/or community.
• Ability to demonstrate the impact and benefits of the project, including qualitative and quantitative results.

Application Review

Grants will be awarded based on a review process that includes a review panel comprised of representatives from the San Francisco Arts Commission and other City department staff and/or funding partners. Panelists will review applications and make funding recommendations. Priority will be given to applicants that successfully meet the criteria within each funding category.

Panel Review Attendance and influence

SPX panels are not open to the public. Please note, an applicant that is found to have made attempts to influence a panelist in any way will be automatically disqualified.

Funding Recommendations

Applications that do not have “Fund” assigned to them will not be eligible for funding. Grant amounts are either the full amount of the grant request or never less than 75 percent of the requested amount.

Grant amounts may differ from the request amount due to the level of funding available to the program, demand for that funding, and/or the rank an application receives from the peer review panel.

Funding Approval

Panel recommendations are subject to the approval of the Arts Commission. Typically, recommendations are first reviewed by the Community Investments Committee and then by the full Commission where they must gain final approval for funding. 

Grant notifications

Grant notifications are emailed to the address listed on the application and include instructions about the contracting process and orientation dates.

PANEL NOTES

Panelists may take notes during their review. You may contact sfac.grants@sfgov.org to request panel comments. Requests are fulfilled in the order they are received.