Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund Program

Launched in 2025, the fund supported small nonprofit performing arts organizations (SNPAOs) in hiring and retaining employees. The program is currently closed for new applicants.

What is the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund Program?

The Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund (PAEPF) was established by SB1116 (Portantino) to bolster small nonprofit performing arts organizations—including theaters, orchestras, dance companies, and other live performance groups with annual budgets under $2 million—by assisting with payroll obligations and ensuring sustained employment for artists and staff.

The program’s inaugural funding round distributed $11,621,892 in grants to 100 small nonprofit performing arts organizations statewide. These grants were awarded on a first-come, first-served basis from a total of 413 applications, which collectively requested $40,789,646 in funding.

The program was administered by the California Office of Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), in partnership with California for the Arts.

Key Program Statistics

Metric	Detail
Total Grants Awarded	100
Total Funding Distributed	$11,621,892
Total Applications Received	413
Total Funding Requested	$40,789,646
Jobs Supported (Direct)	4,748
Jobs Supported (Downstream)	7,406

Grant Award Distribution

Individual grant amounts ranged from $11,471 to $351,520. The funding was weighted to provide the highest percentage of reimbursement to the smallest organizations.

Grant Amount Range	Number of Awards
Under $100,000	46
$100,000 – $199,999	41
$200,000 – $299,999	11
$300,000 – $399,999	2

Recipient Profile

The 100 awardees represent a diverse cross-section of the state’s performing arts landscape, covering a wide array of disciplines from theater and dance to improv and opera. Their annual budgets ranged from $45,226 to $1.9 million.

Awardee Annual Gross Revenue (AGR)

AGR Range	Number of Awardees	Percentage
$500K and under	46	46%
$501K to $1 million	36	36%
$1 million to $1.5 million	11	11%
Above $1.5 million	7	7%

Applicant Annual Gross Revenue (AGR)

AGR Range	Number of Applicants	Percentage
$500K and under	253	60%
$501K to $1 million	92	22%
$1 million to $1.5 million	44	11%
Above $1.5 million	25	6%

Geographic and Demographic Reach

Applications were received from 38 Senate Districts and 66 Assembly districts. Grants were ultimately awarded across 29 Senate Districts and 42 Assembly Districts.

Demographics of 100 Grantees

Category	Number of Organizations
Female led	84
LGBTQIA2S+ led	35
Asian led	15
Black/African America led	16
Hispanic/LatinX led	16
Veteran led	3
Native American or Alaska Native led	1
Rural community	5
Low wealth community	10
Disaster-Impacted community	11