Creative Sonoma announces $180,000 in grants to 45 arts and cultural nonprofits

SANTA ROSA, CA – Creative Sonoma is pleased to announce the recipients of its Arts Impact Grants for Organizations program, designed to sustain Sonoma County’s creative and cultural nonprofits and demonstrate the power of the arts to contribute to the social cohesion of our communities. A total of 45 arts and cultural nonprofits will be awarded a total of $180,000 to provide programs and services across the county. For 2026, these general operating support grants are funded by the County of Sonoma and the California Arts Council.

“We received a record number of inquiries for the 2026 cycle, and we are more pleased than ever with the impact and broad reach of the grantees,” said Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “The cohort of recipients are enriching our county not only with art, but with experiences that stimulate economic progress and social cohesion, which is now more important than ever.”

A record of 59 eligible organizations applied for an Arts Impact Grant, with 45 organizations chosen to receive grant awards of $4,000 each. Successful applicants demonstrated consistent program impact to a wide range of audiences, and overall, grant recipients serve all corners of the county. While all grants made were to support general operations, organizations were given the chance to highlight programs and services that specifically addressed climate challenges, youth engagement in the arts, or arts access for underserved populations.    

For a list of grantees, please visit the site.

This grant program is part of Creative Sonoma’s menu of programs to serve the county’s arts and cultural organizations, artists, arts education providers, and education communities. Details about current grant programs can be found at www.CreativeSonoma.org/grants. For more information, please contact Creative Sonoma at CreativeSonoma@sonomacounty.gov.  

Creative Sonoma is a division of the Sonoma County Economic Development Collaborative dedicated to supporting and advancing the creative community of Sonoma County. Please visit www.CreativeSonoma.org for more.

### Media Contact:

Bernadette Marko
707-565-6127
Bernadette.Marko@sonomacounty.gov