San Francisco Sun

Mayor London Breed and City Administrator Carmen Chu have announced more than $14 million in funding for arts organizations in San Francisco. This funding, distributed through the City's Grants for the Arts (GFTA) program, will support over 260 local arts and cultural organizations. Since its establishment in 1961, GFTA has provided over $400 million to bolster San Francisco's nonprofit arts community.

"Creating events across San Francisco that are centered around arts and culture is what makes our City so special – it's what brings people from across the Bay Area and around the world to enjoy," said Mayor London Breed. She emphasized the importance of investing in community festivals and events as part of San Francisco's economic recovery.

This year marks a change in GFTA's approach with a two-year grant cycle aimed at helping organizations plan ahead while reducing application workload. The program will distribute $14 million in Fiscal Year 2025, with additional funds planned for FY 2026.

Grantees contribute to San Francisco’s communities through diverse arts programming and help stimulate the local economy by creating jobs and attracting tourism. A study by the Bay Area Council Economic Institute found that the city's nonprofit arts sector generates $1.7 billion annually and supports nearly 37,000 full-time equivalent jobs.

Suzanne Ford, Executive Director of the San Francisco LGBT Pride Parade & Celebration Committee, expressed gratitude for being a recipient of GFTA's two-year awards: "The two-year granting period allows us to better plan and manage our cash flow throughout the year."

Rodrigo E. Durán from Cultura Y Arte Nativa de las Américas (CANA) highlighted how this support empowers them to amplify BIPOC artists' voices: "This support will empower us to amplify the voices of BIPOC artists."

Tony Lau from the Chinese Chamber of Commerce noted that GFTA funding helps facilitate their annual Chinese New Year Festival & Parade: "With the funding from GFTA, we can continue this treasured San Francisco tradition."

Brendan Lange from Gardens of Golden Gate Park expressed appreciation for essential funding supporting beloved institutions like Flower Piano at San Francisco Botanical Garden.

Greg Stern, CEO of SFJAZZ, acknowledged GFTA as a consistent source allowing them to remain a leader in jazz presentation.

Andrew C. Smith from The Lab SF stated that multi-year support provides security for artists: "This multi-year support...will provide hundreds of artists...with security to take artistic risks."

Angel Adeyoha from Folsom Street described how vital GFTA funding is for creating inclusive events: "Our fair is a powerful platform for expression...all thanks to Grants for the Arts."

Tom F. Murphy from Friends of JGA expressed excitement about receiving a two-year grant: "We are extremely honored to have this grant."

Kristen Jacobson, Director of GFTA, remarked on witnessing support for 266 remarkable organizations through new grants: "By investing in core operations...we empower organizations...driving cultural innovation."

The complete list of grants awarded by GFTA can be accessed on their website.