Second round of 150th anniversary microgrants awarded - plus ways to get involved!

Second round of 150th anniversary microgrants awarded - plus ways to get involved!

September 9, 2025 9:18 AM
by Allison Ostrovsky

As part of the city of Santa Monica's 150th anniversary celebration, the department of Recreation and Arts - or RAD - is offering microgrants between $500 and $5,000 to support free, public events through the end of 2025.

We're excited to announce the second round of grant recipients! Congratulations to the community members and organizations whose projects will help bring Santa Monica's 150th Anniversary to life - celebrating our history, diversity and community spirit.

Out of 20 applicants, the review panel selected eight - with a total of $16,470 to be awarded- that best aligned with one or more of the goals of the 150th anniversary initiative: celebrating community history and diversity, honoring achievement, addressing inequities and fostering connection. 

Second Round of Funded Projects: 

• Gourd Craft with the Quinn Research Center - 18th Street Arts Center & Quinn Research Center
  A hands-on workshop exploring the cultural traditions of gourd making in Black communities. (Nov. 8)
• Vintage Revival at the Historic Rapp Saloon - Mosaiq Creative Productions
  An event celebrating the layered history of Santa Monica's oldest surviving structure through storytelling, hands-on activities and an exhibit. (Sept.19 - 21 or Oct. 3 - 5, dates TBC)
• Sacred Play Fest - Sacred Play Camp (Onlychild Design + Sacred Alquimia)
  A one-day celebration of movement, joy, healing and cultural heritage. (Oct. 19)
• Lifting As We Climb - Santa Monica Conservancy
  An event honoring the Philomathean Club and unveiling a landmark plaque at Philomathean Hall. (Nov. 6, Nov. 20 or Dec. 11, date TBC)
• The Mexican Presence in Santa Monica Project - Santa Monica Conservancy & Santa Monica Public Library
  A program sharing the history of the Marquez-Reyes family through photographs and discussion. (Oct. 8)
• Words and Sounds of the Wall - SPARC (Social and Public Art Resource Center)
  Poetry and music inspired by the Great Wall of Los Angeles mural. (Oct. 11)
• The Life & Times of Arcadia Bandini - Santa Monica History Museum
  A program highlighting the legacy of Arcadia Bandini and trailblazing women in local history. (Sept. 28)
• Art & Echoes: Voices of Service - Art & Echoes
  A veteran-led series of storytelling and art events honoring the contributions and wisdom of Santa Monica's veteran community. (Sept. 16, Oct. 21 & Nov. 18, dates TBC)

Get involved:

Apply for future microgrants
There are still two more rounds of microgrants ahead! If you have an idea for an event, program or project, apply through the Event Microgrant Application. Events must connect to the goals of the 150th Anniversary, so please read the criteria carefully before submitting. We're excited to see your creative ideas and invite everyone to take part.

Add your event to the community calendar
Even if you're not applying for funding, you can submit your event to the Community Calendar Event Submission Form. If it celebrates Santa Monica's community, we'd love to include it.

Explore upcoming events
Check out the 150th Shared Community Events Calendar to see all the anniversary-related events happening now through December across Santa Monica.

Learn more about Santa Monica's 150th anniversary celebration - including how to apply for microgrants, view upcoming events, and add your own - at santamonica150.com.

Authored By

Allison Ostrovsky
Cultural Affairs Supervisor

Categories

Arts, Culture & Fun, Community Events