Other Grants

From time to time, the Foundation’s trustees make grants to support areas of special interest or to meet an urgent need. For example, as a response to the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Bay Area community, grants were awarded to the emergency-relief efforts for local artists, arts workers, arts groups, students, families, and others in need, which are detailed in the sections below

Bay Area Performing Arts Worker Emergency Relief Fund – $47,500

Theatre Bay Area, Dancers’ Group, and InterMusic SF partnered to form this relief fund for performing arts workers who faced a sudden loss of income due to coronavirus closures. Grants of $500, $1,000, and $1,500 were provided through the height of the crisis.

East Bay/Oakland Relief Fund for Individuals in the Arts – $20,000

Administered by the Center for Cultural Innovation, the East Bay/Oakland Relief Fund for Individuals in the Arts made grants directly to East Bay artists, teaching artists, culture bearers, and nonprofit arts workers from historically underserved communities. Individuals were able to apply once for up to $2,000.

The Safety Net Fund – $15,000

The Safety Net Fund was a fiscally sponsored project Intersection for the Arts that aimed to help provide stability to performing artists, musicians, visual artists, event producers, and other creators who lost their source of livelihood due to COVID-19.

Community Vision’s Rapid Response Technical Assistance: Connect with a Consultant – $20,000

Community Vision offers assistance to non profit organizations regarding their financial or real estate challenges. By booking a free 45 minute phone call with one of Community Vision’s expert consultants, the organization will have space to share their concerns and will leave the call with actionable ways to address them. Community Vision shares strategic thought partnership, expertise, and resources to support the staff and community in navigating challenging times. If more than 45 minutes is needed, a mini consult to dig in deeper on the challenge the organization is facing is possible. Board members and staff leadership are encouraged to participate on these calls. To book a free 45 minute phone call with one of their expert consultants, click here: https://calendly.com/cvrrta/45min

Emergency Loan Program of Northern California Grantmakers’ Arts Loan Fund – $30,000

The Emergency Loan Program of the Arts Loan Fund supports arts and culture nonprofits and fiscally sponsored organizations in the eleven Bay Area counties. Organizations may apply for these low-interest loans to cover basic expenses such as staff salaries, artist payments, rent, and other operating costs. Preference is given to small and mid-sized arts and culture organizations (with budgets under $2 million). To apply for an arts loan visit: https://www.artsloanfund.org

The Oakland Education Fund – $15,000

In partnership with the Oakland Unified School District, the Oakland Education Fund created the COVID-19 Relief Fund for Oakland Students & Schools. This Fund focuses on feeding students and families, distance learning, and supporting vulnerable families through rapid cash assistance. For more information: https://www.oaklandedfund.org/give/covid-19/

Spark* SF Public Schools – $10,000

Spark* SF Public Schools established a COVID-Response Fund that supported technology and online infrastructure for students and teachers, and the distribution of meals to students and families in need.

Alameda County Food Bank — $15,000

For general support to help the organization meet the increased need for food assistance in Alameda County due to the pandemic.

Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano — $15,000

For general support to help the organization meet the increased need for food assistance in Contra Costa and Solano counties due to the pandemic.