Organizational Support Program

Strengthening Emerging & Growing Organizations

Arts and cultural organizations building or strengthening the foundational systems, resources, and organizational capacity needed to sustain their work. Organizations may be relatively new or may have served their communities for years while operating with limited infrastructure. Emerging describes organizational development. It does not describe artistic quality, community value, or the number of years an organization has existed.

Apply Here: https://sandiegoarts.fluxx.io/

At a Glance for Fiscal Year 2028

This Pathway May Be a Fit If...

• Core organizational systems are being developed, strengthened, or formalized.
• Founders, volunteers, contractors, or a small staff structure continue to carry significant operational responsibility.
• Governance or board structures are developing.
• Financial management, fundraising, or administrative systems are being strengthened.
• Programming or operations are becoming more consistent.
• Audiences, partnerships, or revenue sources are developing.
• The organization is navigating a period of growth or transition.
• Technical assistance, peer learning, mentorship, or other capacity building resources would be useful.
• Strong artistic or community work is already taking place even while organizational infrastructure continues to develop.

What Distinguishes this Pathway

The organization is building or strengthening its foundation. This is not a designation of artistic quality, impact, or importance, and an organization does not need to be newly formed.

Capacity Support for Larger City Investments

If the final OSP award equals 50 percent or more of the organization’s Financial Capacity Base, the organization will be required to participate in the City of San Diego Economic Development Department nonprofit accelerator at no cost. If the preliminary award equals 75 percent or more of the Financial Capacity Base, the organization will also complete a funding capacity and sustainability meeting with Cultural Affairs before the award is finalized.