Grant Programs

Community Partnerships Grant - Button

Community Partnership Grant

The Community Partnerships Granting Program awards $90,000 in funding to selected 501(c)(3) nonprofit social and environmental service organizations that support and serve the needs of Ventura residents. This grant funding is allocated in one-year cycles.

Cultural Funding Grant - Button

Cultural Funding Grant

The Cultural Funding Grant Program awards $90,000 in funding to selected 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and cultural organizations that support and serve the needs of Ventura residents. This grant funding is allocated in one-year cycles.

Special Event Grant - Button

Special Event Grant

The Special Event Granting Program awards $10,000 in funding to champion community celebrations that attract residents and visitors, strengthen Ventura’s cultural identity and economic vitality, and promote entrepreneurial spirit and innovative partnerships between private sector and public agencies. This grant funding is allocated in one-year cycles.

Pilot Community Beautification Grant - Button

Community Beautification Grant

The Community Beautification Granting Program is a pilot program that awards up to $100,000 in funding to help community groups and nonprofit organizations complete projects that beautify the community. Funding is supported through Measure O, and projects must meet the needs of our aging city, be on public property, and protect the health and safety of Ventura residents. This grant funding is allocated in one-year cycles.

Application Review Process

Grant applications are reviewed by panels made up of both local and regional professionals. Panelists review the applications in advance, then convene for a day-long panel in which they interview applicants, discuss the merits of each application, then make funding recommendations. These recommendations are then reviewed for approval by either the Arts and Culture Commission (in the case of the Cultural Funding Grant Program) or the City Council (for the Community Partnerships Granting Program). Applications are evaluated based on how well the applicant meets the criteria defined in each set of grant guidelines.