The Performing Arts Recovery Grant Program helps artists and groups pay to rent the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center. It was created to support artists after the pandemic and help bring more people to the theater.

Grant Details

• Goal: Support performers and bring in new audiences

• Funding: $1,000 to $15,000

• Timeline: Covers events from one night up to five weeks

How it Benefits the Community 

To receive a grant, your project must benefit the Simi Valley community. Examples include:

• Offering free or discounted tickets for residents

• Providing arts education

• Reaching a wide and diverse audience

• Making events accessible to everyone, including people of all incomes and abilities

Eligibility

Performing Arts Recovery Grants are open to nonprofit arts and cultural organizations with 501(c)(3) status that have a confirmed 2026 reservation at the Cultural Arts Center.

Schools, independent artists, and arts groups with a proven performance history may also apply.

Approved applicants will receive a rental credit to help cover the cost of their event.

Grant Tiers

• One-night performance: $1,000

• Two weekends in a row: $5,000

• Three weekends in a row: $10,000

• Four or more weekends in a row: $15,000

Each weekend includes Friday, Saturday, and Sunday shows.

Grant Guidelines

• The event must be an artistic or cultural performance

• Applicants must be a nonprofit (501(c)(3)), school, artist, or arts group with a record of past performances

• Only nonprofits can apply directly for grants of $5,000 or more

• Other groups can apply for $5,000+ using a nonprofit fiscal sponsor

• Nonprofits must provide proof of status

• Grants of $5,000+ require a financial statement or tax return

• Applicants must have confirmed 2026 dates at the Cultural Arts Center

• Performances must be open to the public

• Grant funds can only be used for rental costs at the Center

• Applicants may apply more than once, up to $15,000 total

• Projects must benefit the Simi Valley community

• A final report is required to apply for future grants

• Unused funds may be carried over to future performances

• Applications are accepted until funds run out

  • Not eligible: fundraisers, religious services, meetings, private events, or political activities

Application Process

Applicants must first confirm their 2026 dates by submitting a rental inquiry form. After staff confirms the dates, the applicant will submit a Performing Arts Recovery Grant application.  Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.

The application includes:

• Organization Information (10 points): Mission, Finances, and proof of nonprofit 501(c)(3) status.
• Funding Request: Based on the number of performances.
• Narrative Questions:
  • Organization background and COVID-19 impact (30 points)
  • How the project benefits the Simi Valley community (40 points)
  • How the project will be promoted (10 points)
• Budget Information (10 points)

Application Review

Cultural Arts Center staff will first review applications to make sure they are complete and eligible. An Arts Commission ad hoc committee will then review and approve the applications. Applicants must score 75 or higher to receive a grant. The Arts Commission will get updates on grant activity at each meeting.

Appeals

Applicants who are denied may send a letter of appeal to the Arts Commission Chair. The Chair will review the appeal and decide if it should be reconsidered by the grant review committee.

Contact Information

If you need help or have questions, call (805) 583-6702.