Frequently Asked Questions

Organizational Support Program (OSP) and Creative Communities San Diego (CCSD) will continue, but each program will have three clearer funding pathways. FY28 also includes a 100 point evaluation system, one complete application, continuation of the cure period, a clearer funding allocation model, no dollar for dollar match, 100 percent upfront annual payment after agreement execution, and potential multi year continuity for OSP through annual renewal options.

No. OSP continues to support the ongoing work of eligible arts and cultural organizations. CCSD continues to support defined arts, culture, and creative projects.

No. Eligibility is based on the published guidelines, not prior City funding history.

No. Emerging describes organizational development in the Strengthening Emerging & Growing Organizations pathway. It does not describe artistic quality, community value, or the number of years an organization has existed.

No. OSP pathways are based on organizational stage, needs, and role. Size provides context but does not determine value or pathway fit.

Cultural Affairs confirms pathway placement before panel review. Staff may move an application between Strengthening Emerging & Growing Organizations and Organizational Growth & Sustainability when another pathway is clearly a better fit and the application can be reviewed fairly. An organization will not be moved into Global Creative City Partners without its affirmative consent.

Choose the pathway that best reflects the primary purpose and intended outcome of the project. Cultural Affairs may adjust pathway placement before panel review when another CCSD pathway is a stronger fit.

No. FY28 removes the two year operating history requirement.

No. CCSD does not require a principal office in the City or County when the project otherwise meets the applicable City connection requirement.

Yes, when permitted by the guidelines. The project producer remains responsible for carrying out the approved project and complying with the funding agreement. The fiscal sponsor is the approved sponsor and payee.

No. FY28 OSP and CCSD do not require a dollar for dollar match.

Eligible applications are reviewed by trained peer panelists using published pathway specific criteria totaling 100 points. Panelists provide comments explaining the evidence that influenced their scores.

No. Budget information is used as context in the funding allocation model. It is not a measure of artistic quality, cultural importance, or public benefit.

Public benefit is the public’s ability to meaningfully access, experience, engage with, or benefit from the cultural and creative resources supported by the City. It can take different forms depending on the organization, project, pathway, and community. It does not require every activity to be free.

The cure period allows an applicant to correct certain missing, outdated, illegible, or inaccurate administrative or eligibility information. It does not allow applicants to rewrite scored responses or materially change the application after the deadline.

Cultural Affairs plans to make panel scores and comments available to applicants in a consistent format after funding decisions are final, subject to applicable requirements.

FY28 uses the application’s 100 point panel score, a budget context factor, the amount of City funding available, and pathway specific award parameters. The public Funding Allocation Method page will include the final formula and worked examples before the application deadline.

Current anticipated ranges are OSP Strengthening Emerging & Growing Organizations $20,000 to $100,000; OSP Organizational Growth & Sustainability $30,000 to $200,000; OSP Global Creative City Partners $200,000 to $300,000; CCSD Community Arts & Creative Spaces $10,000 to $100,000; CCSD Public Cultural Life $5,000 to $50,000; CCSD Creative Ecosystem Builder $5,000 to $75,000. Final awards remain subject to the City budget, appropriation, formula, and applicable guardrails.

After the agreement is fully executed and required payment documents are complete, Cultural Affairs will issue one advance payment equal to 100 percent of the annual OSP award or CCSD project award.

No. Recipients remain responsible for eligible use of funds, project or program delivery, reporting, reconciliation, records, audit requirements, repayment obligations, material change notification, and all other agreement terms.

Where applicable, OSP agreements may provide up to three years of continuity through annual renewal options. Renewal is not guaranteed and depends on available funding, continued eligibility, reporting, compliance, and other renewal requirements.

FY28 uses additional capacity support for large relative awards​​. At 50 percent or more of the Financial Capacity Base, recipients are required to complete the City nonprofit accelerator. At 75 percent or more, the organization also completes a funding capacity and sustainability meeting with Cultural Affairs before the award is finalized.

Staff can explain eligibility, requirements, pathway fit, application fields, and process questions. Staff cannot write, edit, or pre score an application.

Use the Cultural Affairs support form and select Access or Accommodation Support. Make requests as early as possible so staff has time to coordinate support.

Submit the support form as soon as the issue occurs, select Fluxx Software Issue, identify the application and deadline, explain whether the problem blocks submission, and attach a screenshot if available. Do not include passwords, bank information, Social Security numbers, or other sensitive personal information.