Creative Youth Development
Can you apply?
This grant is for arts organizations and community-based nonprofits serving youth ages 0–24 in California. Projects must occur outside traditional school hours in arts venues, community centers, or similar settings. Eligible activities include early learning arts programs, cultural transmission projects, youth leadership in arts, and workforce development through arts. Priority populations are children ages 0–5, school-age youth, and transitional youth ages 18–24.
This grant is for arts organizations and community-based nonprofits serving youth ages 0–24 in California. Projects must occur outside traditional school hours in arts venues, community centers, or similar settings. Eligible activities include early learning arts programs, cultural transmission projects, youth leadership in arts, and workforce development through arts. Priority populations are children ages 0–5, school-age youth, and transitional youth ages 18–24.
Program description
Beneficiaries of Creative Youth Development projects include youth from infancy to 24 years of age. All projects occur outside of traditional school hours, taking place in arts venues, community centers, school sites, and other youth-oriented settings. Children ages 0-5 and school-age youth are a priority for this program, with successful projects demonstrating the ability to cultivate positive social and emotional development, as well as promote artistic expression and creativity. Support for transitional individuals, ages 18 to 24, are an additional priority, with successful projects demonstrating the capacity to engage with transitional youth in relevant, dynamic, and innovative ways. Examples of applicable projects include but are not limited to: arts projects in early learning, daycare, or foster-care environments; projects that support the transmission of traditional arts and cultural practices; youth leadership and mentorship opportunities in arts settings; and arts programming that supports workforce development and entrepreneurship. Program Goals Projects should address one or more of the following Creative Youth Development program goals: Provide social-emotional creative experiences in safe and nurturing environments. Foster creative abilities of youth through culturally and linguistically responsive arts learning. Support arts programs that seek to activate youth voices, narratives, and perspectives. Utilize cultural assets of the local community to support positive self-identification and respect for diverse cultures. Empower youth through the preservation, revitalization, and/or reclamation of cultural practices. Cultivate the development of transferable life skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, leadership, and collaboration. Review the published program guidelines for the full complete grant description
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for arts organizations and community-based nonprofits serving youth ages 0–24 in California. Projects must occur outside traditional school hours in arts venues, community centers, or similar settings. Eligible activities include early learning arts programs, cultural transmission projects, youth leadership in arts, and workforce development through arts. Priority populations are children ages 0–5, school-age youth, and transitional youth ages 18–24.
How to apply
Application links
Program contact
- 📧 creativeyouthgrant@arts.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-322-6555
Funding track record
Past applications & awards under this program (California Grants Portal) — how competitive it is.
By fiscal year
| Fiscal year | Applications | Awarded | Award rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-2022 | 420 | 399 | 95% |
Source: California Grants Portal
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