The Performing Arts Recovery Grant Program offered by the City of Simi Valley is a facility use grant designed to assist artists and arts, cultural, and educational organizations with the rental fees associated with renting the Cultural Arts Center. Grant awards range from $1,000 to $15,000, for rental productions that range from one night to five consecutive weeks. 

The grant program was developed to support the arts community recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.  It was also developed to attract new artists and audiences to the Cultural Arts Center. 

Each project that is awarded this grant must demonstrate a clear public benefit to the Simi Valley community.  Examples of public benefits include (but aren't limited to):

• Discounts and/or no cost access for Simi Valley residents 
• Arts education
• An appeal to diverse audiences
• Ways that reduce common barriers (e.g. income, disability, and race) to arts participation

This page summarizes grant eligibility and the application process.  If you have any questions, please call 805-583-6702. 

Eligibility:

Cultural Arts Center Performing Arts Recovery Grants are available to any 501(c)(3) non-profit arts or cultural organization with a confirmed reservation for arts and cultural performances at the Cultural Arts Center for the 2024 calendar year season. 

Educational organizations and projects from independent artists and arts groups with a verifiable performance history are also eligible to apply.  Successful applicants will receive a rental credit towards the total rental cost for the production or event.

Grant Tiers:

• One Night Performance: $1,000
• Two Consecutive Weekend* Performances: $5,000
• Three Consecutive Weekend* Performances: $10,000
• Four or More Consecutive Weekend* Performances: $15,000

*Weekends consist of Friday, Saturday, and Sunday performances.

Grant Guidelines:

• The reservation must be for a performance that is artistic and/or cultural in nature.
• Must be a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity, educational organization, or independent artist or arts group with verifiable performance history. 
• Only 501(c)(3) organizations are eligible for grant awards of $5,000 or more.  Independent artists, educational organizations, and arts groups can apply for grants of $5,000 or more via a non-profit fiscal sponsor, who has a 501(c)(3) exempt status.
• Verification of non-profit status is required for all non-profit organizations.  An annual financial statement or most recent tax return will be required for grant awards of $5,000 or more.
• Must have confirmed dates at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center for the 2024 Season. 
• Performance must be available for the public to attend.
• Funds must be applied to rental charges at the Cultural Arts Center.  No outside production costs are eligible.
• Applicants can apply for multiple grants during the 2024 season with a maximum award of $15,000.
• Grant supported projects must demonstrate a benefit to the Simi Valley community.
• Grantees must complete a final report at the conclusion of the performance or production to be eligible for future grant opportunities.
• Applicants may carry over remaining grant balances to future performances.
• Applications will be accepted until funds are exhausted.

Ineligible programs include, but are not limited to, fundraising events, religious ceremonies, luncheons, meetings, private celebrations, and political and/or partisan events in support of ballot initiatives and/or political candidates.

Application Process

Applicants must first secure confirmation of their 2024 dates by submitting a rental inquiry form. Once staff has confirmed performance dates, the applicant will submit a Performing Arts Recovery Grant application.  Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. The application will collect responses in the following categories:

• General Organization Info (Including Mission Statement, Financial Information, and verification of 501(c)(3) status.  (10 points)
• Amount of Funding Requested: (Based on production run)

• Narrative Questions (Approximately 1,000 Characters Each):

1. Please share the background of your organization, including any significant milestones or accolades.  Include a brief summary of how COVID-19 has affected your organization.  (30 points)
2. Please describe how this project or performance will benefit the Simi Valley community, especially as it relates to COVID-19 recovery.  Benefits might include special pricing plans for Simi Valley residents, an educational component, an appeal to diverse audiences, or innovative outreach and engagement strategies that reduce common barriers (i.e. income, disability, and race) to arts participation.  (40 points)

• How will you publicize and promote this project?  (10 points)

• Budget Information (10 points)

Application Review:

CAC staff will provide an initial review for completeness and eligibility.  The Arts Commission has established an ad hoc committee to review and approve grant applications.  Applicants must achieve a score of 75 or higher to be awarded a grant. The Arts Commission will receive reports on grant activity at each meeting.

Appeals:

Denied applicants may direct a letter of appeal to the chair of the Arts Commission.  The chair will evaluate the merits of the appeal at their discretion and can recommend a re-evaluation of the application by the ad hoc grant review committee.