Community Arts Grant Program
The 2025 Community Arts Grant cycle is now open. The purpose of the program is to support local artists and non-profit arts organizations and to engage Burbank residents with diverse and outstanding cultural arts projects. Applications are due Friday, October 17, 2025, by 5 pm. Click on "Apply for the 2025 Community Arts Grant" below for information on eligibility, timeline, and how to apply.
The City of Burbank Parks and Recreation Department and the Burbank Cultural Arts Commission are pleased to announce a new funding cycle for the Community Arts Grant Program. The purpose of the program is to support local artists and non-profit arts organizations and to engage Burbank residents with diverse and outstanding cultural arts projects.
About the Grants
Grants from $1,000 - $5,000 are available for visual and performing arts projects that encourage arts engagement and experiences for all members of the community. We encourage applications and projects that:
- Expand public access to the arts and build awareness and appreciation for the art form presented.
- Educate, entertain, and inspire by thoughtfully engaging residents, businesses, artists, and visitors.
- Offer a wide range of creative perspectives and reflect our community's rich cultural diversity.
Individual professional artists and arts non-profits based in Los Angeles County and working in the visual arts and performing arts are invited to apply. Proposed projects must be completed in Burbank and directly serve Burbank residents, businesses, and visitors. Artists/organizations currently based in Burbank will take priority (see criteria).
Please download and read the full guidelines, eligibility, and application instructions. Sign up for application workshops below under APPLICATION ASSISTANCE.
Important Dates
Applications are due Friday, October 17, 2025 no later than 5pm PST for a project completed between the dates of March 1, 2026 - February 28, 2027 in the City of Burbank.
| Tuesday, September 9, 2025 | Grant Opportunity Opens |
| Wednesday, September 17, 2025 | Application Workshop 4:00pm – 5:00pm Watch Workshop |
| Wednesday, October 1, 2025 | Office Hours Workshop/Q&A 11:00am via Zoom |
| Friday, October 17, 2025 | Applications Due no later than 5pm PST |
| November 2025-December 2025 | Panel Review |
| Week of January 5, 2026 | Grant Recipient Notification |
| March 1, 2026 – February 28, 2027 | Project Period |
Complete and submit an application form, including required uploads, via Jotform. To start the application form, click here.
Applicants are encouraged to utilize the sample application template to prepare their answers in advance. Select the template for either an individual professional artist or non-profit arts organization. A list of required uploads for each type of applicant is listed for quick reference.
Individual Artist Uploads
- Proof of Residency (if claiming Burbank resident credit)
- Artist Resume/CV
- Venue Letter of Intent
- Two high quality work samples (video, audio, or images) of the project
- Support Materials (optional – max 2 articles, reviews, marketing materials, etc)
Non-Profit Arts Organization Uploads
- Proof of Nonprofit Status IRS 501c3 letter
- Board of Directors List (including officers, professional affiliation, and number of years on the board)
- Most recent fiscal year Organizational Financial Statement
- CA Secretary of State Active Nonprofit Status Screenshot
- Venue Letter of Intent
- Two high quality work samples (video, audio, or images) of the project
- Support Materials (optional – max 2 articles, reviews, marketing materials, etc)
Download full guidelines, eligibility, and application instructions.
Download sample application template: Non-profit Arts Organizations
Download sample application template: Individual Artist
Download a sample Venue Letter of Intent template.
Applicants must be based in Los Angeles County.
Projects must be completed in the City of Burbank and directly serve Burbank residents, businesses, and visitors.
Individual artist applicants must be 21 years of age or older at the time of application submission and show that they have been working as a practicing artist for a minimum of two years.
Arts organizations applicants must be established as a 501c3 non-profit with arts and culture as a primary mission and must have at least two years of public programming experience.
Projects must provide a public benefit via an interactive component or culminating performance, exhibition, or event that is open to the general public.
Only one application per project will be accepted.
City of Burbank elected and appointed officials, employees and immediate family members are not eligible to apply.
For a full list of eligibility requirements and the types of projects that will not be funded, please refer to the program guidelines.
Artistic Quality and Merit (40 points) - Project exhibits high artistic quality as evidenced by artistic documentation, work samples, artistic statement (individual artists) and a creative, compelling, and cohesive project proposal.
Community Access and Impact (30 points) - Project includes a high level of community engagement and outreach that will make a positive impact for Burbank residents, businesses, and visitors.
Project Viability/Managerial and Fiscal Competence (20 points) – The applicant submits a thorough application with realistic project budget, timeline, goals, and evaluation plan (for organizations this also includes review of annual budget and 990s).
Cultural Equity & Inclusion (10 points) – Applicants and projects demonstrate values, policies, and practices that all people are represented and included.
Burbank Residency Credit (5 points) - Automatically awarded to any artist or organization applying that is located in Burbank as evidenced by mailing address for office, residence, or studio space.
Expanded criteria descriptions can be found in the full guidelines.
All applications, artistic documentation and support materials are reviewed by City staff for satisfaction of eligibility requirements. Eligible proposals are then reviewed by a diverse panel of arts professionals with expertise in performing and visual arts. Award levels are determined by scores, the amount of available funds, request amounts, and the number of qualified applicants.
Staff documents the comments of grant review panels for its records and to share with applicants, upon request. Comments will be available to applicants following the announcement of grant awards by sending an email request to [email protected].
Review our FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions).
Attend a Workshop
Wednesday, September 17, 2025: Application Workshop 4:00pm – 5:00pm - via Zoom
Staff will review the guidelines, criteria, and application process. The session will be recorded and posted here for those who cannot attend.
CLICK HERE to watch the workshop.
Wednesday, October 1, 2025: Office Hours Workshop/Q&A 11:00am – Noon via Zoom
Staff will provide a quick review of the guidelines and application process, followed by an opportunity for applicants to ask questions.
CLICK HERE to register:
Contact staff via email with questions or to schedule a call: [email protected].
Staff is available on a limited basis to offer guidance and clarification in preparing your proposal. Be sure to review the FAQs and application workshop before contacting staff and do so far enough ahead of the deadline to ensure you can be accommodated. Staff cannot guarantee a response for questions sent after Monday, October 13, 2025.
For more information about the process and to submit a nomination for yourself or another individual, go to our nomination form.
