1 Performing Arts Grant Program – Eligibility Criteria
Full Guidelines, Eligibility Criteria, Instructions and Templates are published on the Culver City website.
The City Council has allocated funding for this program from the Art in Public Places Program’s Cultural Trust Fund. The amount of grant funding available is dependent upon the total deposits made into the City’s Cultural Trust Fund each fiscal year. The current grant request limit is $10,000.
What is eligible?
Any dance, music, or theatre organization can apply, regardless of size.
Applicants’ public mission must focus on dance, music, and/or theatre.
Applicant must be a non-profit organization - 501(c)(3) or partnered with a fiscal sponsor.
Applicant must be based in Los Angeles County. Fiscal sponsors must also be based in Los Angeles County.
Applicant must complete a Project Budget and SMU DataArts Funder Report.
Applicant must describe an outreach plan to attract people in Culver City to the show.
Proposed grant performance cannot be part of a fundraiser or class.
First-time applicants are required to attend a grant workshop.
Each organization can only apply for one project and cannot apply for the Special Events Grant for the same project.
Maximum grant request is $10,000.
Applicants must provide matching funds that are equal to, or greater than, their requested grant amount.
Proposed performances must be from March 1 and December 31, 2027.
The performance venue must be accessible and ADA-compliant. 2 What venue is eligible?
All events must take place in an ADA-compliant building, facility, or location that meets one or more of the following criteria:
wholly or partially located within Culver City;
under the purview of the City of Culver City; or
is assigned a USPS zip code in 90230 or 90232.
Deadline and Schedule
August 10, 2026: 2027 Notice of Funding Availability, Grant Guidelines and Application Available on the Culver City Website
August 25-28, 2026: Grant Workshops, In-Person and Virtual September 23, 2026, at 5:00 PM DEADLINE TO SUBMIT APPLICATION Submission Requirements
Online application: Filled out, signed, and submitted online.
Venue permission: A signed letter or email from the venue where the performance will take place.
Budget: Complete project budget, with all expenses and income. Include explanation of how the grant money will be spent.
Financial history report: Submit SMU DataArts Funder Report.
Non-profit status: Proof that applicants is a non-profit (IRS letter) or partnered with one (fiscal sponsorship agreement).
Video sample: A short video clip showing applicant’s prior work is required.
Optional: Two attachments in support of application, such as flyers, marketing materials, reviews, newsletters, press releases, and photos.
3 Grant Workshops
Grant workshops are offered to discuss the application process and answer questions. We recommend that all applicants attend a workshop. First time applicants are required to attend a workshop.
August 25, 2026, at 11 AM (virtual grant workshop)
August 26, 2026, at 2 PM (in-person grant workshop)
August 27, 2026, at 11 AM (virtual grant workshop)
Grant Guidelines and Requirements
Requirements: All applicants must follow the procedures in these guidelines and in the Performing Arts Grant Application.
First-time applicants are required to attend a grant workshop with Cultural Affairs staff.
Incomplete applications will not be considered. No exceptions.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application form and required attachments are complete. All applications will be compiled by staff to confirm that they are complete and eligible.
All complete and eligible applications will be forwarded to a peer review panel of independent individuals with expertise in performing arts and non-profit grants.
City staff are not obligated to contact applicants for missing information. Incomplete applications will be disqualified.
All other application materials, including signed venue letter, project budget, funder report, non-profit documents, artistic samples, and attachments, must be uploaded and submitted by the deadline.
All submitted applications and attachments are documents of public record upon submission to the City of Culver City and subject to public records requests. Applicant should not submit any original documents or artwork. Submissions will not be returned.
Project Budget
Applicants may use the Budget Templates provided or their own formatted project budget.
The budget is for the proposed project only. Detailed budget notes are highly recommended. The Culver City grant request must be included in the budget, as well as other sources of funding. In-kind income and expenses must also be included if applicable, with details. Applicant should not provide an organizational budget. 4 Venues
Performances must take place in an ADA-compliant building or facility that is wholly or partially located in Culver City or under the purview of the City of Culver City or is assigned a USPS zip code of 90230 or 90232.
Required: Grant applications must obtain a letter or email from an authorized representative of the selected venue or performance location and attach it to the submitted application. The letter should include the dates, location, approximate rental costs, and complete contact information for an authorized venue representative.
Other requirements if grant is awarded:
Grant Agreement Contract
Culver City Business Tax Certificate
Contact Cultural Affairs staff before the performance to discuss marketing plans.
Must have any licenses or permits required by the performance venue.
Must Include specific logos and a credit line in marketing materials and program.
After the performance, submit an invoice and an evaluation form.
Tax Exempt Status Verification - Applicant organizations, or their fiscal receiver, must qualify as tax exempt – as defined by the Internal Revenue Service – at the time the application is submitted. A copy of the non-profit determination letter issued by the IRS must be submitted with the application to be considered eligible.
Use of Funds - Grant awards from Culver City may only be used for direct expenses related to the performances in Culver City. No grants will be awarded for performances that are staged in conjunction with a fundraiser or a class presentation. Funding may be awarded for a single production or a series of performances.
Compliance - Compliance with licensing and insurance requirements, including those established by the facility at which the performance will be held, is required. If the proposed project requires performance or staging rights, the applicant is responsible for securing those rights. Applicant shall perform all work in accordance with applicable laws, codes and regulations required by all authorities having jurisdiction over such work.
Final Report and Payment - Grant recipients are required to submit an invoice after the performance and an evaluation form detailing audience attendance, comments, and zip code tally. We recommend that grantees register for direct deposit with the Culver City Finance Department. City staff can assist with that process. 5 Special Permits - Productions may require a permit, depending upon the location and scope. Application must be made with the Finance Department at City Hall. Please contact the Business Resources Center for information on permit fees.
Culver City Business Tax Certificate - All grant recipients shall be required to obtain a Culver City Business Tax Certificate before a contract can be issued and before any performances.
Evaluation and Selection Process
All submitted applications and attachments are documents of public record upon submission to the City of Culver City and subject to public records requests. Applicants should not submit any original documents or artwork. Submissions will not be returned.
Grant applications will be reviewed by City staff to confirm eligibility and that the application is complete. The eligible applications will be presented to a peer review panel for evaluation and scoring. The panel includes independent individuals with expertise in performing arts and non-profit grants. The recommendations of the review panel will be presented to the Performing Arts Subcommittee who will forward its recommendation to the Cultural Affairs Commission for consideration. The City Council will review the recommendations made by the Cultural Affairs Commission and make the final determination concerning grant awards.
Scoring Criteria - 100 Total Possible Points
Artistic excellence and cultural merit of project - 45 possible points Culver City outreach and engagement - 20 possible points Realistic project budget and funding - 20 possible points Contribution to cultural equity and inclusion - 15 possible points