Unrestricted Operating Grants (SVCREATES)

Unrestricted Operating Grants (SVCREATES) is a grant from Silicon Valley Creates, offered in partnership with the County of Santa Clara, that funds general operating support for small nonprofit arts and culture organizations in Santa Clara County. The program invests in organizations that reflect the dynamic and diverse communities of Silicon Valley, supporting their ongoing operations rather than specific projects.

Award amounts are tiered based on organizational budget size, ranging from $2,000 to $6,000. Eligible applicants must hold 501(c)(3) status and operate primarily within Santa Clara County. The deadline for the most recent cycle was April 10, 2026.

Unrestricted Operating Grants - SVCREATES 2026 Guidelines and Application Instructions SV CREATES operating grants, offered in partnership with the County of Santa Clara, provide general operating support for small nonprofit arts and culture organizations that: Reflect the dynamic, diverse, and innovative character of Santa Clara County Demonstrate commitment to equity , inclusion , and artistic vibrancy and relevance Positively impact the County’s cultural ecosystem through active and sustained engagement with audiences, volunteers and artists Pursue organizational sustainability in service to the local community Note: please see SV CREATES ’ Grant Program Glossary for words in italics.

Two-Year Application Cycle In 2022, SV CREATES established a two-year application cycle for this grant program. In alternating years, current grant recipients may have the opportunity for grant renewal, dependent on the completion of their grant report and funding available to SV CREATES . Current grantees should refer to their 2025 award notification for details on the renewal timeline.

In 2026, we will accept new applications for funding from organizations with annual operating budgets between $250,000 and $1. 5 million only. This application will open on March 2, 2026.

If you have questions about your eligibility for this grant program, contact Sinjin Jones, SV CREATES' Program Director at sinjin@svcreates. org . ▸ 1.

Purpose The organization’s primary purpose must be the performance, production, or presentation of arts and cultural activities that are open and accessible to all. ▸ 2. Geography The organization’s home base (primary business office or primary performance/exhibition venue/facility) must be located in Santa Clara County and the majority of programming (performances, presentations, exhibitions) must take place in Santa Clara County.

▸ 3. History The organization must have been performing, producing or presenting in Santa Clara County a minimum of 3 years prior to the term of the grant. (July 2023 for the current cycle) ▸ 4.

Size For 2026, the organization’s average annual budget across the previous three fiscal years must be greater than $250,000 and not exceed $1. 5 million. ▸ 5.

Tax Status The organization must be a California non-profit corporation with a 501c3 tax-exempt certification. Applicants with annual budgets under $750,000 may use a fiscal sponsor with 501c3 tax-exempt status. Applicants with budgets over $750,000 must be 501c3 nonprofits.

▸ 6. Reporting The organization must have satisfied all of the reporting requirements of any previously awarded grants from SV CREATES . ▸ 7.

Accessibility The organization prioritizes accessibility for a range of physical abilities when selecting spaces/venues for public programming. For-profit organizations are not eligible. Institutions of primary and secondary education are not eligible.

Local governments are not eligible. Universities and colleges are limited to providing fiscal sponsorship for one arts program only. Grants may not support operating costs for the university or college, but must be applied to program and overhead costs of the applying entity.

Grants may not be applied toward support for political or religious purposes, fundraisers for other organizations or causes, capital improvements, lobbying, or projects already completed. Click here to view and download a preview of the application (PDF). Watch a recording of our Applicant Information Session from Friday, March 13.

Office Hours: You may also schedule a one-one video call with SV CREATES staff by emailing Sinjin Jones, Sinjin@svcreates. org . If language, access to technology, or other factors present a barrier for your organization, please reach out to Sinjin Jones to arrange specialized support.

Narrative and data collection questions include: Mission, programming, and audience details Staff and Board demographics Artistic/Program Work samples Financial and budget data, including a financial statement for your most recently completed fiscal year Applicants are grouped by budget size, since organizations with similar sized operating budgets share more organizational characteristics. ▸ 1.

Review of Applications by Staff Staff reviews each application for compliance with eligibility and submission requirements. ▸ 2. Panel Review A panel consisting of four to six individuals – chosen for their experience with arts and culture organizations of similar size to that budget cohort being evaluated, as well as expertise in the field – is selected.

At least two panel members of each will be BIPOC/ALAANA individuals. The panel will review and score each application based on the review criteria. The panel meets virtually to discuss each application.

▸ 3. Funding Recommendations Funding recommendations are determined by the final score and funding formula. ▸ 4.

Notification of Grant Awards Notifications will be made in late June or early July. Panelists will review grant applications using the following criteria: ▸ 1. Artistic Vibrancy and Relevancy (50 Points) This criterion reflects an organization’s ability to meaningfully engage and inspire its community through arts and culture in order to achieve its mission.

Panelists will ask themselves the following questions: Does the organization show a commitment to craft in their artistic artform? (work sample) Does the organization have a clear relationship between their programming and their mission ? Can the organization define the geographic area and the communities they serve ?

Does the organization demonstrate that they understand, work with, and are responsive to their community through their programming? Is the organization accessible and inviting to its community and open to the public? ▸ 2.

Organizational Resilience and Ingenuity (40 Points) This criterion reflects the ability of an organization’s board and staff to manage resources, plan, evaluate, and - when necessary - creatively pivot their organization and their programming now and for years to come.

To determine if an organization displays strong Organizational Resilience and Ingenuity, panelists will ask themselves the following questions during application review: Does the organization have a diverse board and staff that is demographically reflective of the community being served? Does the organization clearly articulate how they function and contextualize their financial information?

Does the organization demonstrate an understanding of their challenges and engage in short and long-term planning using processes commensurate with their size and capacity? Does the organization provide evidence of community support through volunteer participation, in-kind support, individual donors, or other means? ▸ 3.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (10 points) Does the organization exhibit practices that are inclusive and welcoming of all people in their defined community , including those who have been historically and/or continuously marginalized and underrepresented, e.g., immigrant groups, BIPOC/ALAANA communities, rural populations, aging populations, people living in poverty, people who are homeless, people with disabilities, and communities recovering from trauma or disaster?

Does the organization provide evidence that staff at a variety of levels, as well as board, artists, and key collaborators, include those in the community who have been historically and/or continuously marginalized and underrepresented , in both their public-facing programming and administrative work?

Key Dates for the 2026 Application Cycle: Application Opens: March 2, 2026 Application Information Session: March 13 Watch the recording >> Application Deadline: April 10, 2026 @ 5PM Grant Period: July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027 Click here to view the 2025 Unrestricted Operating Grantees Click here to view the 2024 Unrestricted Operating Grantees Click here to view 2023 Unrestricted Operating Grantees Click here to view 2022 Unrestricted Operating Grantees If you have questions about this program or application, please contact SV CREATES Program Director, Sinjin Jones.

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