Belonging in Oakland: A Just City Cultural Fund 2026 Opens Applications for $300,000 Grants Supporting Artists and Community Organizations
Organizations, artists, and social change leaders in Oakland can apply for multi-year funding through the Belonging in Oakland: A Just City Cultural Fund 2026. Selected collaborative partnerships will receive $300,000 over three years to support racial equity and community transformation.
Overview
The Belonging in Oakland: A Just City Cultural Fund 2026 is accepting applications for its fourth annual funding round. The initiative provides substantial financial support to collaborative partnerships working toward racial equity, social justice, and community transformation through arts and culture.
Selected collaborations will receive $100,000 annually for three consecutive years, totaling $300,000 per collaboration. Additionally, participating artists and cultural practitioners receive annual living stipends and funding dedicated to documenting their work.
Benefits
- $100,000 each year for a funding period of three years ($300,000 total grant value per collaboration).
- $12,000 annual living stipend for participating artists and cultural practitioners.
- $25,000 allocated specifically for documenting the collaboration.
- Long-term support for community-centered cultural projects and partnership-building.
Eligibility
The Fund is designed for collaborative partnerships. Eligible lead applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a cultural organization working with artists, or a social change organization collaborating with artists and culture bearers.
- Hold IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) status, 501(c)(4) status, or use an eligible 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor in good standing.
- Be based in Oakland and serve BIPOC communities.
- Demonstrate experience in community engagement and successful partnerships.
- Have an operating budget of at least $500,000.
How to Apply
The application process consists of two stages:
- Step 1: Letter of Interest (LOI) - Submit organizational information, financial statements for the most recently completed fiscal year, and work samples demonstrating policy change or community impact.
- Step 2: Full Proposal - Up to 10 shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit comprehensive proposals.
Prospective applicants are also encouraged to attend the informational webinar on August 12, 2026.
Deadline
The Letter of Interest (LOI) deadline is Friday, August 28, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time (PT). Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.