City of San Diego logo Funding for Cultural Affairs

Funding Pathway Finder

Your OSP Result: Global Creative City Partners

Your organization may help connect San Diego to a much bigger creative map!

This pathway is for arts and cultural organizations whose sustained work helps position San Diego as a cultural and creative destination.

That may happen through:

  • Cultural tourism
  • Destination experiences
  • National or international visibility
  • Transborder relationships
  • Creative exchange
  • Broader markets
  • Opportunities that connect San Diego artists and cultural work to audiences beyond the region

Important!

Budget size does not automatically make an organization a Global Creative City Partner.

Audience size does not automatically indicate that an organization a Global Creative City Partner.

And having one international program does not automatically make an organization a Global Creative City Partner.

The question is whether this role is a meaningful and sustained part of what your organization contributes to San Diego.

Also read Organizational Growth & Sustainability if...

  • Your organization has some regional, national, or international activity, but that is not central to its role.
  • Your primary goal is organizational sustainability rather than a deeper cultural destination or global creative city partnership.
  • The enhanced Global expectations do not feel like the right fit right now.

Still unsure?

First, breathe easy. You are allowed to be between categories!

The FY28 pathways are meant to help us understand different kinds of work, not force every organization or project into a perfect little box.

Here is the simplest version:

For OSP, ask "What does our organization need right now, and what role does it play?"

For CCSD, Ask "What is the main thing this project is designed to accomplish?"

Choose the answer that is most true, then read the pathway you land on.

If another pathway also sounds close, read that one too.

And if you are still unsure, ask us!

Cultural Affairs may also work with applicants to move an application when another pathway is a better fit. A good faith category choice will not, by itself, negatively affect eligibility or score.

Final Friendly Reminder

This quiz is meant to help you get oriented and make FY28 a little easier to navigate.

It is not an official City determination of eligibility, category placement, award amount, or funding.

Your quiz result is your starting point, not a stamp of approval

Read the applicable guidelines, ask questions when you have them, and choose the pathway that most honestly reflects the work you are asking the City to support.

Start Over