Eligibility requirements for GFTA funding

Have current 501c3 status or use a fiscal sponsor

Applicants must have a valid 501c3 public charity designation from the IRS.

If you're not a 501c3, you may use a valid fiscal sponsor that has 501c3 public charity designation from the IRS.

Not be a governmental entity

Have a San Francisco corporate address

Have a mission to support the arts in San Francisco

Your organization must have a mission to develop, produce, present, or support art or cultural activities in San Francisco.

Have 3 consecutive years of work to showcase

At the time of application, you must be able to show 3 consecutive years of work relevant to the grant type you are applying for.

That could include:

• A season or series of public performances in San Francisco
• A season or series of art showcases in San Francisco
• Capacity building support you provided to San Francisco artists or arts and culture nonprofits

Be prepared to produce work in the coming year

You must show that your organization has plans and is able to produce relevant work during the grant term.

That could include:

• A season or series of public performances in San Francisco
• A season or series of art showcases in San Francisco
• Capacity building support you provided to San Francisco arts and culture nonprofits

Be a Supplier with the City of San Francisco

If awarded a grant, your organization must be a Registered Supplier with the City and County of San Francisco to receive grant funds.

Sign up to be a City supplier if you're not already.

Be in good standing and compliant with GFTA and other City requirements

Your organization must have active status with the:

• San Francisco Treasurer & Tax Collector (TTX)
• California Secretary of State
• California Office of the Attorney General

You may need to provide documentation proving your good standing.

If using a fiscal sponsor, you are responsible for making sure they are also in good standing during the term of the agreement.

You'll also need to comply with GFTA and other City agency requirements as a supplier.

See all the steps to becoming a compliant supplier as a GFTA grantee.

Show certain administrative and fiscal qualities

You must show that your organization:

• Receives non-GFTA sources of funding 
• Maintains insurance policies required by the City

Not be in default on any grants or loans

You may not be in default on grants or loans from:

• Grants for the Arts
• Other City departments (including but not limited to the Department of Children, Youth and Their Families, Office of Economic and Workforce Development, Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development, San Francisco Arts Commission)
• Northern California Grantmakers Arts Loan Fund
• Community Vision Capital and Consulting
• Community Arts Stabilization Trust
• The Center for Cultural Innovation