OCWC receives nearly $46,000 PAEPF Grant

The Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund (PAEPF) was established by SB1116 (Portantino, 2021 – 2022 legislative session) to bolster small nonprofit performing arts organizations with annual budgets under $2 million by assisting with payroll obligations and ensuring sustained employment for artists and staff.

The grant program launched in February 2025, and required applicants to submit organizational documents, financial records, payroll reports, and evidence of performing arts events open to the public. Grants were awarded on a first-come, first-served basis from a total of 413 applications, which collectively requested nearly $41 million in funding. The OCWC was notified in November 2025 that we would be among the 100 small nonprofit performing arts grantees statewide. Our grant totals nearly $46,000 of the $11.6 million awarded, and we received our check in April 2026! Programs like this allow us to hire and retain the very best arts leaders and artists in the area.

The program was administered by the California Office of Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), in partnership with California for the Arts, California’s statewide arts advocacy organization. We are grateful for the advocacy role played by California for the Arts in securing and administering this funding.