CITY OF CATHEDRAL CITY
FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2025/2026
COMMUNITY ARTS GRANT PROGRAM
APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY 5:00 PM FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2026
Late applications will not be accepted.
Submit application to:
[email protected]
or
City of Cathedral City
68700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero
Cathedral City, CA 92234
Attention: Anne Ambrose,
Assistant City Manager / Public Arts Commission Liaison
To be considered for funding, a complete application must be submitted by:
• Hard copies - postmarked by April 24, 2026
• Electronic copies - received by 5:00 pm on Friday April 24, 2026. • Electronic submittal is preferred.
BEFORE SUBMITTING: Check each item included in your application package. Ensure all required text fields and applicable boxes are completed. While filling out the application, if additional space is needed, please attach additional pages to the application or include other attachments.
We are delighted to announce the opening of the application period for the Community Arts Grant Program o
ffered by the City of Cathedral City. This grant aims to support artists and organizations in the creation and implementation of art and art education projects that contribute to the cultural vitality and vibrancy of our community.
The Community Arts Grant Program seeks to fund innovative projects that engage and enrich the community.
We welcome proposals from artists, performers, dancers, authors, poets, musicians, designers, artist collectives, non-profit organizations, governmental, tribal and community groups and any other creative-types who are passionate about using the arts as a means of community beautification, social transformation, cultural appreciation, and civic dialogue. "Art" can be defined in the broadest extent to include art expressed in any medium, incl uding, without limitation, painting, sculpture, photography, lithography and other physical mediums; music, singing, spoken word, and other auditory mediums ; plays, films, dance, and other performance medium; literature and poetry, art history and interpretation; clothing and fashions, and cultural expressions. Art education may be provided by any reasonable means that best achieves the purpose set forth above, including, without limitation, classes, lectures, tours, programs, events, festivals, exhibits, performances, writings, films, audio recordings, and similar means. The grant is not intended to fund permanent art pieces or installations.
We encourage artists and organizations from all backgrounds and disciplines to apply for the Community Arts Grant Program and join us in creating inspiring art and cultural experiences that enrich our community. We look forward to receiving your applications and supporting the realization of your creative visions.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS AND POLICY GUIDELINES
• Applicants must submit a complete application including project proposal, budget, timeline and supporting materials.
• Applicants can be an individual (must complete a W-9), a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, private entity, government, school, or tribal agency.
• Applicants must demonstrate that the activity proposed occurs within the geographical boundaries of the City of Cathedral City.
• Individual/Organizational residency in Cathedral City is not a requirement as long as the proposed project occurs in the City.
• Any activity proposed must be reasonably available to members of the general public. An activity will be considered reasonably available to members of the general public where the activity is open to the general public or is open to members of the public who timely reserve participation in the activity. Space for participants may be limited and the activity may be provided for only a limited time. Activities may be held in the facilities of public entities, non-profit or charitable organizations, and private facilities, provided that attendance of activities must not be limited to members, owners, subscribers or other interest holders in the private facility. Participation in certain activities may be limited to certain members of the general public, such as youths, students, seniors, or other reasonable grouping that does not constitute unlawful discrimination of a protected class. • Grant activities must be completed by June 30, 2026.
• Grant recipients must comply with all grant requirements and reporting obligations.
GRANT APPLICATION CHECKLIST
• Community Art Grant Program Application
• Samples of art/performances /events completed relevant to the proposed project. Include attachments or links to bio’s, social media or websites. Submitted attachments can be no larger than 20mb.
• Letters of support. Optional but encouraged. Include letters of support from community partners, stakeholders, or collaborators endorsing your project and/or confirming their involvement.
APPLICANT INFORMATION:
NAME (INDIVIDUAL OR ORGANIZATION):
ADDRESS:
CITY: STATE: ZIP:
CONTACT PERSON: TITLE:
TELEPHONE: EMAIL:
ORGANIZATION PRESIDENT OR CHAIR (IF APPLICABLE):
(Legal authority for organization)
IF NON-PROFIT, INCLUDE 501(c)3 number:
PROGRAM / SERVICE / EVENT INFORMATION:
GRANT AMOUNT REQUESTED Minimum $250 Maximum $5,000:
TOTAL PROGRAM / SERVICE / EVENT/ART COST:
Program/Service/Event Period or Date
Funding must be expended by 6/20/2026)
From: To:
1. Describe How The Requested F unds Will Be Used: (Include artistic concept, intended audience, community engagement strategies. Do you have community partners that will be involved in implementing this project? If so, please list along with their roles).
2. Budget: ( Provide a comprehensive budget for your project. Budget should include total grant funds requested, all project expenses including artist fees, materials, installation costs, rentals, advertising, travel costs . Do you have other funding that will be leveraged/used with these funds? If so, please include.)
3. Briefly Describe Your/Your Organization’s Background. (Describe your/your organization’s background and experience. Provide examples of any relevant work, images, or links to online portfolios that have relevance to the project being proposed. Describe your/your organization’s capacity to execute the proposed activities.) Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City
32141 Whispering Palms Trail
92234
Resource Development Director
[email protected]
Scott Robinson
95-3507225
$3,800
$5,000
The Boys and Girls Club of Cathedral City aims to expand pathways for artistic expression for Club kids with photography and editing classes. Club kids will build their skills through structured photography activities designed to inspire creativity and collaboration. The end goal of this concept would be a mobile photography exhibit to showcase student talents at local businesses and events.
The Mobile Photography Lab is a hands-on photography and digital storytelling program for the BGCCC Leaders in Training members. The program will equip teens with iPads, digital cameras, and photo editing software to explore photography as a tool for creativity, leadership, and community connection. Participants will take part in guided community photo walks, learning how to document people, places, and stories that reflect the spirit of Cathedral City. The program will culminate in a public exhibition showcasing the students' work and celebrating their artistic growth and community voice.
Equipment & Technology – $2,750 [iPads (2 units @ $400 each) – $800 ; Digital Cameras (4 entry-level DSLR or mirrorless @ $350 each) – $1,400 ; Protective Cases & Screen Protectors (2 iPads) – $100 ; Memory Cards, Camera Bags, Accessories – $250 ; Tripods (4 @ $50 each) – $200] Software & Creative Tools – $500 [Photo Editing Apps/Subscriptions] Program Supplies – $350 [Printing materials ; journals & sketchbooks ; batteries, chargers, misc. supplies] Final Exhibition Costs – $200 [photo printing, mounting, signage, displays, light refreshments] Total: $3,800
We have other funding sources to cover artist fees and data storage subscriptions.
Since 1980, the Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City (BGCCC) has served as a trusted and vital community resource for youth ages 6–18 from the City of Cathedral City and surrounding area. For more than four decades, the Club has been committed to its mission:“To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.”
Over the past 45 years, BGCCC has evolved to meet the changing needs of children and families—offering safe, inclusive, and enriching environments that foster academic achievement, emotional well-being, and leadership development. Today, the Club serves more than 650 members annually and reaches an additional 1,850 youth through community outreach.
Cathedral City
Kara Robinson
(760) 770-4965
7/1/26
6/30/27
CA
4. Timeline: (Provide a timeline outlining key project milestones and activities from conception to completion.)
5. What Do You Ultimately Hope To Accomplish Through Your Proposed Art/P rogram/Event? How Will It Enrich Cathedral City? (Describe your goals and objectives and how many people you hope to impact as a result of your project.)
6. If Y our Art/Program/Event Costs More Than You Are Requesting From The Community Arts Grant Program, How Do You Plan To Pay For The Additional Costs? ( What Steps Have You Already Taken To Get Additional Funds Or In- Kind Support If Necessary?)
7. Do You Plan To C ontinue This Art/Program/Event Beyond The Period For Which You Have Requested The Funds? If So, How Do You Plan To Continue Paying For It? (Describe the types of efforts you will undertake to raise funds as well as your/your organization’s history of maintaining services/programs.) July 2026 - Purchase equipment & software, book local photography professionals for class instruction
August - November 2026 - classes and activities
December 2026 - Unveiling of student photography at the BGCCC Extravaganza annual fundraising gala
January - April 2026 - Continued classes and activities, mobile exhibit at events and businesses in Cathedral City.
The Mobile Photography Lab is designed to provide Leaders in Training members with meaningful access to visual arts, technology, and self-expression. Through a combination of classroom instruction, field-based learning, and project-based exploration, youth will develop technical photography skills while building confidence, observation, and storytelling abilities.
Participants will learn the fundamentals of photography, including composition, lighting, framing, perspective, and ethical storytelling. Using iPads and digital cameras, students will capture images during organized community walks that encourage them to see Cathedral City through a creative lens. They will then use editing software to enhance and curate their images, gaining experience in digital media tools commonly used in creative industries.
Beyond photography skills, the program promotes youth leadership by encouraging participants to reflect on their surroundings, identify community strengths, and share their perspectives with the public. The final exhibition will provide a platform for young people to present their work to families, residents, and community partners, fostering pride, accomplishment, and connection.
Should expenses exceed our anticipated budget, we are actively seeking additional funding sources via grant applications. Any excess funds secured through regional, state, or national sources would be used to enhance the program with additional equipment, software, and instructors.
We are committed to ensuring that this program is fully funded and sustained for the future.
Yes, we plan on continuing this program for years to come. BGCCC is preparing to support this program with diverse funding sources from available grant opportunities regionally and nationally. The funds from this grant would help purchase equipment that will be used for this program for years to come. This includes grant applications, individual & corporate giving, community events, and fundraisers. BGCCC has successfully operated for over 45 years, maintaining and expanding critical services through careful financial planning, strong community ties, and a clear commitment to our youth. With continued support, we are confident in our ability to sustain and grow this program well into the future.
8. (OPTIONAL) Is T here Anything That You Would Like To Add? If So, Please Tell Us Here:
*Attachments may be included with your submission. If including photos, files can be no larger than 20 mb.
To be considered for funding, a complete application must be submitted by:
• Hard copies - postmarked by Friday, April 24, 2026
• Electronic copies - received by 5:00 pm on Friday August 24, 2026 • Electronic submittal is preferred
Questions: Please email [email protected] or call Anne Ambrose, Public Arts Commission Liaison at (760) 770-0331.