For Immediate Release
Feb. 9, 2026
Arts in California Parks and Santa Cruz Community grants programs are accepting applications until March
SACRAMENTO – California State Parks and Parks California today announce the opening of two grant programs designed to support nonprofit, community and tribal organizations in strengthening connections to California’s state parks through art, culture and inclusive community engagement. The Arts in California Parks and Santa Cruz Community grants programs are now accepting applications.
Together, these grant opportunities are expected to invest up to $2.5 million in local leadership, center community voices and help ensure California’s parks are welcoming, vibrant places that reflect the cultures, histories and creativity of the communities they serve.
Art in California Parks Grants Program
Launched in 2024, the Arts in California Parks grants program was developed in partnership with California State Parks, the California Arts Council and Parks California to bring art, culture and community into parks across the state. The program funds place-based art experiences led by culture bearers, tribes and local nonprofit organizations that reflect community identity and deepen visitors’ connection to nature.
“Arts in California Parks demonstrates the incredible power of art and imagination to forge deeper connections between communities, artists and parks,” said Armando Quintero, California State Parks Director. “These grants will support critical programs to help elevate even more community voices, celebrate diverse histories and create memorable park experiences.”
Arts in California Parks brings murals, permanent installations, performances and storytelling to local parks, creating vibrant spaces where art and culture highlight local histories, elevate diverse voices and build meaningful connections.
Since its launch, the Arts in California Parks program has:
- Invested more than $5.4 million statewide.
- Supported 61 projects across California.
- Awarded grants to more than 60 organizations.
- Provided more than 200 free public arts events within its first year.
The 2026-27 grant cycle marks the final year of the program’s three-year pilot initiative. For this cycle, only grant proposals for implementation projects will be accepted. The program is expected to award up to $2.5 million to support projects across the state.
Applications for the Arts in California Parks grants are due on Friday, March 13, at 5 p.m. PT.
Santa Cruz Community Grants Program
Launched in February 2024, the Santa Cruz Community grants program enables local organizations to lead engagement efforts shaping the future of Santa Cruz-area state parks and beaches.
Managed by Parks California in partnership with California State Parks, the program focuses on inclusive park planning for areas affected by recent storms and wildfires, including Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Seacliff State Beach, New Brighton State Beach and the Rancho del Oso area.
“The Santa Cruz Community grants program gives all residents, especially underserved communities, a voice in shaping the offerings at local parks and beaches,” said Geoff Kish, Vice President of Programs, Parks California. “Funding community-led engagement and planning helps parks reflect the needs, culture and stories of Santa Cruz residents.”
The program provides funding, coordination support and engagement tools to help community organizations bring residents to state parks, host conversations and gather feedback that will help guide park rebuilding, resilience and long-term planning. The program is expected to award up to $88,000 in funding, with grants of up to $10,000 per organization.
Applications for the Santa Cruz community grants are due on Friday, March 6, at 5 p.m. PT.
About Arts in California Parks
Arts in California Parks aligns with statewide initiatives including Governor Gavin Newsom’s Outdoor Access for All, the California Natural Resources Agency’s Outdoors for All and California State Parks’ Reexamining Our Past Initiative. The program supports artists, culture bearers, California Native American tribes and communities in creating art, installations and cultural programming in state and local parks as catalysts for sustainable community connection, health and well-being. Initiated by a one-time general fund allocation that extends through 2027, the program is a partnership between California State Parks, the California Arts Council and Parks California.
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The California Department of Parks and Recreation, popularly known as State Parks, and the programs supported by its Office of Historic Preservation and divisions of Boating and Waterways and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation provides for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Learn more at parks.ca.gov.
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About California Arts Council
Culture is the strongest signifier of California’s identity. As a state agency, the California Arts Council supports local arts infrastructure and programming statewide through grants, programs and services. The agency’s mission is to strengthen arts, culture, and creative expression as the tools to cultivate a better California for all. Learn more: arts.ca.gov.
About Parks California
Parks California, created by the State of California to expand the reach and impact of its parks system, strengthens our public lands and inspires all people to experience these extraordinary places. As a public-private partner, we work alongside California State Parks, public lands agencies, tribal nations, community and nonprofit organizations to design solutions that make these spaces more inclusive, climate-resilient and sustainable. Together, we’re advancing a new partnership model that supports healthy communities and ecosystems to meet the needs of a changing California.