State-Local Partner Mentorship
Can you apply?
This grant is for California arts organizations that will establish a State-Local Partner (SLP) and mentor a newly created county-level arts organization. Eligible applicants are typically 501(c)(3) nonprofits or existing SLP organizations with demonstrated capacity to mentor emerging arts bodies. The grant supports mentorship activities over one year, helping new arts structures develop governance, equity practices, staffing, and strategic frameworks in California counties.
Mentee organizations must be either a county government unit or independent 501(c)(3) newly established or in early formation. The mentoring relationship builds capacity for the mentee to eventually apply independently. Grantees can reapply for years two and three of mentoring support.
This grant is for California arts organizations that will establish a State-Local Partner (SLP) and mentor a newly created county-level arts organization. Eligible applicants are typically 501(c)(3) nonprofits or existing SLP organizations with demonstrated capacity to mentor emerging arts bodies. The grant supports mentorship activities over one year, helping new arts structures develop governance, equity practices, staffing, and strategic frameworks in California counties.
Mentee organizations must be either a county government unit or independent 501(c)(3) newly established or in early formation. The mentoring relationship builds capacity for the mentee to eventually apply independently. Grantees can reapply for years two and three of mentoring support.
Program description
The CAC expects that an active SLP will be established in the identified county within 2-3 years, either as a unit of County government or an independent 501(c)(3), and that the SLP-M will mentor them through their first two years of arts programming and services, after which the mentee organization could qualify for an SLP grant independently. SLP-M grantees may reapply for 2nd and 3rd year funding through this program in order to fully implement this work. Program Goals Grantees will be required to accomplish the following within the Grant Activity Period: Convene a standing committee of community members and stakeholders to support development of new SLP structure and strategic framework. Model equity practices and principles in the development of new SLP mission, vision, programming, and services. Identify and retain a dedicated staff member to lead new SLP and provide mentorship to that individual. Identify and maintain an accessible public office space for the new SLP. Create and implement a realistic operating budget for new SLP. Supply anticipated outcomes for a one-year grant and outline any next steps anticipated to occur beyond the grant activity period to fulfill the goals of the grant program. All activities to be funded by the CAC must occur within the one-year Grant Activity Period (see Timeline in the grant guidelines). Consult/convene with CAC and other SLP-M grantees around best practices, if applicable.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for California arts organizations that will establish a State-Local Partner (SLP) and mentor a newly created county-level arts organization. Eligible applicants are typically 501(c)(3) nonprofits or existing SLP organizations with demonstrated capacity to mentor emerging arts bodies. The grant supports mentorship activities over one year, helping new arts structures develop governance, equity practices, staffing, and strategic frameworks in California counties.
Mentee organizations must be either a county government unit or independent 501(c)(3) newly established or in early formation. The mentoring relationship builds capacity for the mentee to eventually apply independently. Grantees can reapply for years two and three of mentoring support.
How to apply
Application links
Program contact
- 📧 slpmentorgrant@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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-2023 | 2 | 2 | 100% |
Source: California Grants Portal
Similar grants
- OPEN 27-0343-10 FFY27 Local Agency General Non-Enforcement — Illinois Department of Transportation
- ROLLING Annual Agency Threshold Application Applicants for Funding Start Here — Texas City of Austin - Austin Public Health
- CLOSED Virginia’s Black Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) Grant – FY26 — Virginia The Virginia Department of Historic Resources
- ROLLING RTAP Grant Program (Rolling) — Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation
- OPEN FY27 Event Sponsorship Program Round 2: Funds Events Held November 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027 — Virginia Housing Development Authority