The Los Angeles County Arts Commission announces the Community Impact Arts Grant program, a new funding opportunity for nonprofit organizations that use the arts to support their mission while primarily providing a wider range of services and programs. CIAG guidelines and application are available at lacountyarts.org/CIAG. Application deadline is October 28.

The arts are a vital tool for civic problem solving across a range of issues, including health, human services and criminal justice. CIAG funds cross-sector strategies to address these issues, providing financial support for arts programming taking place at nonprofit social service and health organizations, municipal departments, religious organizations and institutions of higher education as part of larger missions to provide services to individuals and communities.

“Although the Arts Commission has a rich history of funding the arts since 1947, grant making has been based solely on the traditional model of only funding arts organizations,” states Laura Zucker, Arts Commission Executive Director. “CIAG addresses a key need in our region to recognize and support the more complex arts ecology of LA County by increasing access and strengthening the quality of arts programming wherever it happens.”

$500,000 in grant funds will be awarded annually, with organizations able to ask for $5,000 to $20,000 in support. CIAG grants recognize the arts work being done in a variety of settings outside a traditional arts environment and provide support for arts services or activities in a wide variety of situations and settings.

The Board of Supervisors allocated a total of $1.5 million over three years in support of the program and the National Endowment for the Arts provided seed funding.

“We need to reach a more diverse sector of our population with arts programming,” said Supervisor Hilda Solis. “We would like to be certain that it effectively reaches Los Angeles County residents who do not typically receive exposure or have access to the arts. This program is an important step in ensuring this happens.”

“Throughout the County, our residents benefit from high quality arts programs provided by non-arts organizations,” Supervisor Sheila Kuehl said. “These reflect a wide swath of organizations dedicated to addressing various challenges ranging from homelessness and mental illness to domestic violence and much more.”

Several workshops will be held throughout the County in September and October for interested applicants. These workshops include information about the program, a walkthrough of the guidelines, eligibility requirements and tips on submitting strong proposals. For detailed information and to register for a workshop, visit lacountyarts.org/CIAG.

For more information about CIAG, email ciag@arts.lacounty.gov or call (213) 202-5858.

The Los Angeles County Arts Commission fosters excellence, diversity, vitality, understanding and accessibility of the arts in Los Angeles County. The Arts Commission provides leadership in cultural services for the County, encompassing 88 municipalities, including funding and job opportunities, professional development and general resources. www.lacountyarts.org.