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 offered 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, including, 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, 2027.
• 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.
Sunset Music and Education Foundation Cathedral City Grant Supplemental Sheet Project: Cathedral City Community Music Experience: Music Under the Desert Sky
SUPPLEMENTAL SHEET FOR QUESTION 1
Describe How the Requested Funds Will Be Used
The Sunset Music and Education Foundation (SMEF) will use grant funds to produce a Cathedral City Community Music Experience, a public arts event that combines professional live music, youth participation, and community connection through an inclusive cultural celebration held in Cathedral City.
How Funds Will Be Used
• Professional artist fees
• Student performer stipends
• Sound and production services
• Venue/equipment rentals
• Marketing and outreach
• Event coordination and administration
• Community access support
Artistic Concept
We feature student performers alongside professional musicians, creating the kind of unforgettable moment when a young person realizes they belong on that stage too. The artistic concept centers on music as a bridge—bringing people together across generations, cultures, and neighborhoods through the power of live performance. Through SMEF’s SMARTS Initiative (Sharing Music, Accessing Resources, Transforming Students), emerging youth artists share the spotlight with seasoned professionals, gaining confidence, mentorship, and real-world experience in front of a live audience. Programming may include jazz, soul, blues, spoken word, and culturally rooted music that reflects the rich diversity and spirit of our region.
Intended Audience
Cathedral City residents, families, youth, students, seniors, arts supporters, visitors, and underserved community members with limited access to arts programming.
Community Engagement Strategies
• Outreach to Cathedral City schools
• Collaboration with youth-serving organizations
• Promotion through social media and email campaigns
• Flyers and digital marketing
• Invitations to neighborhood groups and seniors
• Encouraging family attendance
• Opportunities for youth to perform and engage directly with artists Community Partners & Roles
• Cathedral City schools – student referrals, youth performers, family outreach • Local youth organizations – participant recruitment and engagement • Senior/community centers – audience outreach and participation • Local businesses – sponsorships, in-kind support, promotion • City stakeholders – coordination and civic engagement support • SMEF volunteers and board members – event operations and guest services
SUPPLEMENTAL SHEET FOR QUESTION 2
Budget
Expense Category Amount
Professional Artist Fees $2,000
Sound / Production $1,000
Student Artist Stipends $500
Marketing & Outreach $750
Venue / Equipment / Rentals $500
Administration / Coordination $250
Total Grant Request $5,000
Additional project costs will be supported through sponsorships, donations, ticket revenue if applicable, and in-kind volunteer support.
SUPPLEMENTAL SHEET FOR QUESTION 4
Timeline
July–August 2026 – Project planning, Cathedral City outreach, venue coordination September–October 2026 – Artist booking, student recruitment, partner engagement November–December 2026 – Marketing, sponsorship outreach, production planning January–March 2027 – Rehearsals, community outreach, technical planning Spring 2027 – Present Cathedral City Community Music Experience Post Event – Evaluation, reporting, future planning
SUPPLEMENTAL SHEET FOR QUESTIONS 5–8
Question 5: What Do You Ultimately Hope To Accomplish?
We hope to create a joyful, accessible arts experience that enriches Cathedral City by bringing residents together through music, youth participation, and cultural celebration. Goals include serving 200+ attendees, creating meaningful performance opportunities for young artists, expanding access to live arts experiences, celebrating the city’s diversity, and strengthening community connection. Our vision is to present this event at the Cathedral City Amphitheater— transforming a public space into a vibrant gathering place where families, neighbors, and visitors come together to share in the power of music, culture, and community.
Question 6: If Costs Exceed Grant Request
Any additional costs will be covered through individual donations, sponsorships, ticket revenue if applicable, in-kind contributions, board support, and volunteer services.
Question 7: Will You Continue Beyond the Grant Period?
Yes. SMEF intends to build ongoing arts programming in Cathedral City through future sponsorships, fundraising, grants, ticket revenue, and community partnerships.
Question 8: Additional Information
SMEF believes the arts do more than entertain—they heal, connect, inspire, and transform communities. We would be honored to partner with Cathedral City to create meaningful arts experiences that reflect the city’s creativity, diversity, and spirit. Because when music fills a public space, something beautiful happens: children see the possibility of themselves on a real stage, the community sees their brilliance shining back, and everyone is reminded that talent, hope, and opportunity live right here at home.
LETTERS OF SUPPORT #1 Educator: Anthony Rodriguez / DHS High School On Apr 22, 2026, at 5:45 PM, Anthony Rodriguez <[email protected]> wrote: Hi J’ai, I’d be happy to submit this note. Hope you get the grant — we have some great student players this semester who would love to participate in whatever way we can help: To Whom It May Concern, I am pleased to offer my strong support for the Sunset Music & Education Foundation’s application to the City of Cathedral City Community Arts Grant Program. As Director of Bands at Desert Hot Springs High School, I have seen firsthand the meaningful impact SMEF has had on my students and our music program. Through their generosity, students have gained access to high-quality instruments that would otherwise be out of reach for many families. That support has made a profound difference—not only in strengthening their skills as musicians, but in building their confidence as young people. When students have the right tools in their hands, everything changes. They take greater pride in their work, engage more deeply, express themselves more fully, and begin to see new possibilities for their future. Opportunities to perform alongside professional musicians and be part of real-world arts experiences are especially powerful because students begin to understand that they belong on those stages too. The Sunset Music & Education Foundation continues to create lasting and meaningful opportunities for youth across our region. I strongly support this proposal and believe it would be a valuable investment in the young people, families, and cultural life of Cathedral City. Sincerely, Anthony Rodriguez Director of Bands Desert Hot Springs High School Begin forwarded message: From: Sweet Baby J'ai <[email protected]> Subject: Letter of Support for SMEF - Community Arts Grant. Date: April 22, 2026 at 11:38:19 AM PDT To: Anthony Rodriguez <[email protected]> Hi Anthony, I hope you’re doing well. I’m applying for the City of Cathedral City Community Arts Grant to support a community music event that will include youth opportunities, live performance, and arts access through the Sunset Music and Education Foundation. Would you be willing to send a short letter or email of support sharing your experience with how SMEF has helped your students and music program at Desert Hot Springs High School? A few heartfelt paragraphs would mean a lot and could really strengthen the application. Your voice as an educator who has seen the impact firsthand carries tremendous value. Thank you so much for all you do for your students and for being such a wonderful partner. Sweet Baby J’ai (J’ai Michel-Lundy) CEO & Executive Artistic Director Sunset Music and Education Foundation 323 251-4940 www.sunsetmusic.org The Sunset Music SMARTS Initiative: Transforming Lives, One Kid at a Time! Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNiWiL6Kv-Y Sunset Music & Comedy Series– Where Music Meets Magic! An electrifying mix of soulful jazz, blues, Latin rhythms, country, classical, world music, and side-splitting comedy—curated by the artistic visionary behind the Palm Springs Women’s Jazz Festival, Juneteenth Fest and now the Sunset Music & Comedy Festival. More than just a festival, it’s a movement that shines a spotlight on underrepresented voices, while celebrating rising stars who will shape the future. As a nonprofit, we are deeply committed to education and access through our programming and the SMARTS Initiative, providing instruments, scholarships, and opportunities to underserved students, ensuring the next generation of musical legends has the tools to thrive. #2 Grandparent: Maria Gallegos / Cathedral City Resident Dear Community Arts Grant Committee My name is Maria Gallegos and I live in Cathedral City. I want to give my support for Sunset Music & Education Foundation and this grant. They helped my granddaughter Amira very much. They bought the shoes she needed for Ballet Folklorico so she can dance. They also helped her with guitar lessons and found a good teacher for her. Without this help, many things was not possible for our family. I see my granddaughter more happy, more confident, and excited to learn. She feels proud when she dances and plays music. It means a lot for our family to see her grow and have these opportunities. This program helps children and families in the community. They give hope and open doors. I believe Cathedral City should support Sunset Music & Education Foundation and the good work they do. Thank you, Maria Gallegos 34800 Judy Ln Cathedral City, CA 92234 #3 Community Partner: Musician Yve Evans To The Powers That Be on the Cathedral City Grants Committee, I’m proud to support Sweet Baby J’ai and the Sunset Music and Education Foundation in their application for the Cathedral City Community Arts Grant. As an artist who has performed with them, I’ve seen the care and intention they bring to creating events that are more than concerts. They know how to turn a room into community. They celebrate excellence, welcome everybody in, and make space for young talent to stand beside experienced performers and shine. That matters. When young people can see themselves on a real stage, and the audience can see their gifts too, it plants seeds of confidence and possibility that last far beyond one performance. I believe SMEF would bring something joyful, meaningful, and needed to Cathedral City. With love and support, Yve Evans