Staff make every effort to provide a fair and equitable review of all grant applications.

A panel made up of members of the Arts & History Commission and arts and history practitioners from diverse communities works both independently and alongside Arts & History program staff to evaluate grant applications, ensuring an equitable, fair, and thorough review and ranking process.

Note: All participants in the A&H grant review panel are bound by a conflict of interest policy. An actual or apparent conflict of interest relates to a fiduciary, professional, or personal relationship with an applicant that would prevent an unbiased review

Review Timeline

• The FY26 Annual Grant application opens on May 1, and the deadline is June 16.
• A review panel will evaluate all applications submitted and make recommendations to Arts & History staff over a period of at least four weeks.
• The review panel evaluates, scores, and convenes to discuss the applications according to the criteria listed in the guidelines.
• Arts & History staff presents recipient recommendations to the Arts & History Commission, as well as Mayor and City Council, and provides at least two weeks for comment or questions prior to sending applicant notifications of award status.
• Applicants are notified of award status in September 2025.