Performing and Visual Arts Grant Program
DEFINITION AND PURPOSE
Mono County, through its Economic Development, Tourism & Film Commission (EDTFC), is pleased to announce the availability of a Performing & Visual Arts Grant Program (PVAG) for the 2026 calendar year. The PVAG is a reimbursement program designed to assist established non-profit Performing and Visual Arts organizations in Mono County with eligible projects and programs. Mono County’s organizations for the Arts play an important role in providing quality programs for the community which contributes both to the visitor experience and to the quality of life for local residents.
ELIGIBLE PERFORMING & VISUAL ARTS PROJECTS/PROGRAMS
All currently established non-profit Performing and Visual Arts organizations in Mono County are eligible to apply for funding support for a wide range of projects/programs that directly support performing, visual, and fine arts/applied arts. Funds may be designated for the purchase of educational materials, art supplies, sheet music, equipment, website development, marketing/advertising/communication outreach, signage, exhibit design, displays, event support, etc.
NEW THIS YEAR: Extended Timeline for HSGP & PVAG Grants
Starting in Fiscal Year 2025–26, Historical Societies Grant Program (HSGP) and Performing & Visual Arts Grant (PVAG) funds may roll into the next fiscal year. This allows grantees to plan and carry out projects, programming, or events anytime within the full calendar year (through December 31) rather than being limited to completion by June 30.
- Project End Date: Applicants must specify when their project, program, or event will be complete, and when they plan to submit for reimbursement.
- Fiscal-Year Commitment:
- If your project will be completed by June 30, funds will be reimbursed within the current fiscal year.
- If your project will be completed between July 1 and December 31, funds will be rolled over and reimbursed in the next fiscal year.
- Reimbursement Timing Cannot Change: Once funds are committed to a fiscal year, the reimbursement must occur in that fiscal year. We cannot reimburse early or late.
- Example: If your project is committed to the current fiscal year, it must be completed by June 30 (reimbursements and reports can be submitted in July). If your project is committed to the next fiscal year, reimbursement cannot happen until after July 1. If your timeline shifts, we cannot move your reimbursement from one fiscal year to another.
- Reimbursement & Reporting: All reimbursements are made after the project is complete and only upon submission of a final report.
This change provides more flexibility for project planning and timing—but it also means applicants must plan carefully and be very clear about their timelines.
AVAILABLE FUNDING
Up to $4,500 in funding on a reimbursement basis is available per organization, determined by the scope of the project and needs. Additional funds may be awarded depending on the total number of applications. Total funding available for PVAG is $25,000; these monies are identified in the 2025-26 budget adopted by the Board of Supervisors. Mono County is under no obligation to expend any or all the funds. Organizations that have been granted funding from the Mono County Economic Development, Tourism & Film Commission or from the Mono County Board of Supervisors in the past, as well as organizations which have not, may apply for PVAG. Expenditures for approved projects/programs must be completed by December 31, 2026.
Please note:
- Promotional marketing initiatives funded by the PVAG must be professionally designed and produced.
- Mono County Economic Development, Tourism & Film Commission logo, website and 800# must be on grant recipient websites and marketing/communication materials as a sponsor affiliation.
- All established non-profit arts & culture organizations in Mono County are encouraged to submit applications for funding. The grants will be dispersed as equitably as possible between communities and applicants; however, this will depend on relevant applications received and other factors and cannot be guaranteed.
- Grant allocation preference will be given to new or currently unfunded projects. However, the PVAGP will consider applications for relevant projects that may have already received county funding in 2025-26.
- Funding may be used for salaries, wages or remuneration. Salaries may be reimbursed but documentation regarding specific salary reimbursement must show specific benefit to the program or event funded, and will be required.
- Funding may not be used for rent, utility bills, or the purchase of real estate.
- Funding may not be used for travel or client/staff/volunteer/board member entertainment.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
To apply for the Mono County Performing & Visual Arts Grant Program, organizations must submit:
- Grant program application form
- Organizational budget, including details specific to the program or project for which funding is requested.
- Proof of non-profit organization status.
- Successful applicants will receive funding as a reimbursement of approved expenses and will be required to submit a grant report by the end of the 2026 calendar year.
APPLICATION SUBMISSION DEADLINE
All applications must be submitted online by 11:59pm on Sunday, November 9, 2025.
Late applications will not be accepted. Please ensure applications are complete and detailed--there will be no live presentations. All complete applications will be reviewed and approved by Mono County staff with assistance from the Mono County Economic Development, Tourism & Film Commission (EDTFC). County staff may contact applicants for more information.
FUNDING APPROVAL NOTIFICATION
We will notify you by e-mail if your funding request is approved, by or before Friday, December 5, 2025 (subject to change).
FUNDED PROJECT/PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Projects that are approved for PVAG reimbursement program must adhere to the following program requirements:
1) Recipients must adhere to the business plan/scope of work as proposed and sign a contract to do so with the county. Proof of professional liability, general liability, or other insurance coverage may be required.
2) Recipients are required to provide monthly progress reports by phone or email leading up to completion of the project, purchase or program.
3) All promotional materials and online/website presence must include the following Mono County information; however, the primary contact info must clearly be that of the performing & visual arts grant recipient.
- Mono County Economic Development, Tourism and Film Commission logo (artwork provided)
- The 800 Tourism number: 800.845.7922
- Mono County Tourism website address: www.MonoCounty.org
4) Design of all signage, exhibits or displays, marketing/communication materials and/or website must be professionally created and reviewed by County staff before printing, publication or distribution.
5) All content and photos, information, logos, etc. must be properly licensed.
6) All original invoices and/or original paid receipts must be presented to Mono County staff for reimbursement within 30 days after service or project is complete or the program is launched. Any reimbursement is limited to eligible expenses incurred before December 31, 2026. Reminder:
- Funding may not be used for rent, utility bills, or the purchase of real estate.
- Funding may not be used for travel expenses or client/staff/volunteer/board member entertainment.
7) Organizations must provide Mono County staff with a written Project Report on the success of the program, project, purchase, or initiative.
8) Organizations that receive funding for their project will be required to complete the project or program within the fiscal year in which the funds are awarded. The allocated funds will not be rolled over into another fiscal year.
9) If the project or program is not completed within the 2026 calendar year, ending December 31, 2026, the organization may not be eligible for reimbursement.
Thank you!
