Artist Micro Grants Program

This Microgrant Program is a cornerstone initiative that has grown from awarding just five $500 grants in 2019 to providing $15,000 annually to local artists. This is possible thanks to the donations from local community, local partners, and sponsors. These grants are more than financial support, they’re investments in transformative ideas and the future of our community. From creating murals that beautify neighborhoods to producing original music and photography, the work of these grantees enriches our cultural fabric while generating economic impact.

Arts Connection’s Artists Micro Grants Program Re-Launches on April 2, 2025

“These awards recognize potential and open doors. They are often a catalyst for more opportunities for our local artists. We see time and time again that these grants are the fuel to take artists to the next level in their career.” — Executive Director, Alejandro Gutierrez

Micro Grants Program Overview

Initiated in 2019, the Artists Micro Grant Program (Arts Innovator Micro Grant) was designed as a local response to the lack of funding opportunities offered to support the innovative work happening across the county by our artist community and to continue or jumpstart work they are building or imagining.

This program was designed to provide direct financial support to local artists whose work is helping uplift our communities across San Bernardino County. This program aims to empower and sustain artists by offering small but impactful grants to enhance their creative projects and professional growth. Artists of all mediums and artistic backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Micro Grants Program Details

The Micro Grants program will provide funding to 22 artists who either reside in or are actively working on an artistic project(s) within San Bernardino County. Selected artists will receive grants ranging from $500 to $1,000, helping them cover costs related to materials, production, professional development, and other artistic needs. This grant is intended to support artists working, residing in, and benefiting the communities of San Bernardino County.

Proposed projects do not need to be completed with this funding; this can be startup funding for a larger  project idea, or contribute to a larger budget professional development or career advancement goal. Projects do not have to be new. They do not need to be large in scope.

Estudio Aire AIRs and past micro-grant recipients are eligible to apply if at least two years have passed since their residency or micro-grant award date.

Applications Are Closed!

Thank you for your interest in applying. We are no longer accepting applications.

Use of Micro Grants Funds

  • Developing new artistic projects or expanding current projects that positively impact San Bernardino County.

  • Purchasing materials, equipment, or tools necessary for artistic creation and production.

  • Covering professional development costs such as workshops, mentorships, or educational opportunities.

  • Supporting exhibition, performance, or public presentation expenses.

  • Covering marketing, outreach, and promotional efforts related to an artistic project.

  • Other essential expenses that directly contribute to the creation and sustainability of artistic work.

Micro Grants Restrictions

Grant funds may not be used for the following purposes:

  • Scholarships 

  • Donations to other organizations or individuals 

  • Political campaigns and legislative lobbying efforts

  • Building or capital campaigns 

  • Projects that exclusively serve religious purposes 

  • Projects that discriminate against another race, ethnicity, or gender 

  • Costs for the creation of new organizations.

Program Funding Goals

Impact Project Development:


Proposed projects do not have to be completed with this funding; this can be start-up funding for a new idea, or supplemental funding for ongoing projects. Projects do not need to be large in scope, but they should demonstrate impact on the community served or impact on the artistic practice, or project, in focus. For example, proposed projects might be single events, a series, or an exhibition of a new body of work. Applicants will be asked to share the intended impact area: social (broader), community (local or specific), or personal practice.

Creative Career Advancement:


Proposed work should reflect relevant and time-sensitive needs to support the artist’s career. Examples include, but are not limited to, attending mentoring or professional development workshops and training, covering the applicant’s residency fees, software subscriptions or equipment purchases, or compensating research time to develop new work, or complete a portion of an ongoing project.

Thank you US Bank for supporting the arts!