$300K Grants Applications Open for Belonging in Oakland: A Just City Cultural Fund

The Belonging in Oakland: A Just City Cultural Fund, hosted by the East Bay Community Foundation in partnership with the Akonadi Foundation and the City of Oakland’s Cultural Affairs Division, is in its fourth annual round of funding. The program opens applications for three grants of $100,000 annually for three years to collaborations between Oakland-based cultural and social change organizations serving BIPOC communities. In addition to the grant, selected artists and cultural practitioners receive a $12,000 annual living stipend, and the program allocates $25,000 for documenting the collaboration. The application process is two‑step: a Letter of Interest (LOI) with organizational information, financials, and a work sample demonstrating policy change efforts, followed by a full proposal for up to 10 invited applicants. The LOI deadline is August 28, 2026 at 5 p.m. PT, with awards announced in late October 2026. Eligible lead applicants must hold 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) status (or a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor), have an operating budget of at least $500,000, and collaborate with artists and cultural practitioners focused on BIPOC communities. A how‑to‑apply webinar is scheduled for Wednesday, August 12, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. PT.

Annual grant of $100,000 for three years, $12,000 living stipend, $25,000 documentation allocation

Lead applicant must be a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) organization (or 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor), have an operating budget ≥$500,000, collaborate with artists and cultural practitioners, and focus on BIPOC communities.