The City of Cathedral City continues its commitment to supporting local organizations and fostering community enrichment through two distinct grant programs for the upcoming fiscal year.
Community Arts Grant Program: $20,000 Supporting Creative Expression
The City Council has approved $20,000 in awards through the Community Arts Grant Program, supporting six organizations that will bring innovative artistic projects to the community. The Public Arts Commission reviewed thirteen applications and recommended funding for projects that will engage residents through diverse creative mediums.
FY 2025/26 Community Arts Grant Recipients:
- Desert Ensemble – $2,500
- Green Room Theatre – $2,500
- Larry Harris/Strong Words – $2,000
- S.C.R.A.P. Gallery – $5,000
- Cathedral City Senior Center – $5,000
- Cult and Classic Films, LLC – $3,000
The Community Arts Grant Program, established in FY 2024/25, seeks to fund innovative projects that use the arts for community beautification, social transformation, cultural appreciation, and civic dialogue. The program welcomes applications from artists, performers, musicians, non-profit organizations, and other creative individuals and groups passionate about enriching the community through artistic expression.
Art is defined broadly under the program, encompassing everything from traditional visual arts like painting and sculpture to performance mediums, literature, music, and cultural expressions. The grants support temporary projects and educational initiatives rather than permanent installations, with funding provided through classes, events, festivals, exhibits, and performances.
Community Assistance Grant Program: $70,000 Supporting Essential Services
In addition to arts funding, Cathedral City’s Council Subcommittee has recommended $70,000 in Community Assistance Grant awards to support organizations providing vital health and human services to residents. An Ad Hoc subcommittee consisting of Councilmembers Gutierrez and Lamb reviewed applications and made recommendations focused on supporting underserved populations.
FY 2025/26 Community Assistance Grant Recipients:
- Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City – $8,500
- 65 CHECK, INC. – $7,500
- Coachella Valley Rescue Mission – $5,000
- Habitat for Humanity of the Coachella Valley – $5,000
- John F. Kennedy Memorial Foundation – $4,500
- Cathedral City Senior Center – $4,000
- Dinner with Patsi – $3,500
- Act for Multiple Sclerosis – $3,000
- Angel View, Inc. – $3,000
- Palm Springs Air Museum, Inc. – $3,000
- Parkinson’s Resource Organization – $3,000
- Reynaldo J. Carreon MD Foundation – $3,000
- Alzheimer’s Coachella Valley – $2,500
- Operation Safe House, Inc. – $2,500
- Children’s Discovery Museum – $2,000
- Coachella Valley Youth Golf Foundation – $2,000
- Do the Right Thing – Greater Palm Springs – $2,000
- Assistance League of Coachella Valley – $2,000
- American Legion Auxiliary Unit 519 – $1,500
- Coachella Valley Disaster Preparedness Network – $1,500
- Desert Access & Mobility, Inc. – $1,000
The Community Assistance Grant Program prioritizes non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations and tribal or governmental agencies that demonstrate they provide services to Cathedral City residents or businesses. Preference is given to applicants addressing health and human service needs of underserved populations, with requirements that organizations show diverse funding sources rather than relying solely on city support.
A Dual Investment in Community Enrichment
These two distinct grant programs reflect the City of Cathedral City’s multifaceted approach to community investment, supporting both the creative arts that enrich daily life and essential services that address critical community needs. The arts grants foster cultural vibrancy and creative expression, while the assistance grants ensure vital services reach those who need them most.
Both programs operated on similar timelines, with applications opening in March and closing in April 2025. The performance period for funded projects runs from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, ensuring year-long community impact.
These initiatives align with the City of Cathedral City’s Five-Year Strategic Plan, particularly Goal F (Embracing, Inclusive Community) through promoting community events and celebrations, and Goal C (Fiscal Stability and Sustainability) by supporting economically beneficial community development.
Organizations interested in future funding opportunities should monitor the city’s website and social media accounts for application announcements, typically released in early spring for the following fiscal year.
