Arts & Culture Grants Program

The Arts & Culture Grants Program is a civic initiative managed by the City of San Leandro in partnership with the Arts, Culture and Library Commission. This local funding program is designed to support creative initiatives that enrich the cultural landscape of San Leandro, California. It specifically targets local nonprofits and individual creators who reside in San Leandro, fostering artistic expression and cultural engagement within the community. The program welcomes a diverse range of artistic disciplines, encouraging submissions that reflect high artistic or cultural quality. Eligible project types span dance, music, theater, visual arts, literary arts, media, interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary arts, traditional/folk art forms, and other forms of performing arts. The primary objective is to enhance public access to cultural experiences that celebrate and reflect the community’s identity and values. Grants of up to $5,000 are available to support individual projects, with emphasis placed on activities that directly benefit the San Leandro community. There is no explicit mention of match requirements, suggesting that cost-sharing is not required. The program materials do not elaborate on funding restrictions or allowable uses in detail but the broad eligibility of art forms implies flexibility in project design and execution. No information is provided on whether funding is multi-year or if specific budget categories are restricted or capped. The application process begins with the availability of guidelines and forms on February 3, 2026, through the program website and via request by email. Applicants can access support during a Grant Applicant Mixer and Q&A session scheduled for February 5, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at the San Leandro Main Library’s Karp Room. Complete applications, including all required documentation and a signed form, must be submitted by 5:00 PM on Friday, February 27, 2026. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered. While no detailed breakdown of application components or evaluation criteria is provided, prospective applicants are encouraged to attend the information session or contact program staff at LibraryInfo@sanleandro.org with any questions. The timeline suggests a single application window for the current cycle, and no explicit reference is made to future rounds or recurring cycles. The program reflects a commitment by the City of San Leandro to promote community enrichment through the arts and support local creatives. Interested applicants are encouraged to review materials when available, attend the mixer for guidance, and submit their proposals by the specified deadline to be considered for this opportunity.