Drawing inspiration from the vision of Phyllis Wattis and her legacy of support for the arts in the Bay Area, the Phyllis C. Wattis Foundation remains committed to funding the creation of both the fine and performing arts through its New Works grants program, as well as organizations providing direct support to individual artists through its Legacy Grants program. The foundation prioritizes support for smaller, independent arts organizations presenting challenging and cutting-edge works. 

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The general requirements for eligibility are:

• Organizations and artists that work in Alameda, Marin, and/or San Francisco counties

• Public charities operating under an IRS 501(c)(3) status or fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) organization

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Grants are made in support of the following practices:

• Visual Arts, including the exhibition of painting and sculpture

• Theater, including opera

• Music

• Dance

Organizational support is provided for arts organizations and intermediary programs providing support for individual artists, this can include access to financial support, professional development, networking and career advancement opportunities.​ Support for arts festivals will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact foundation staff to discuss your request for festival support.

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The foundation will not fund: organizations whose overall budget is greater than $2.5 million dollars, capital expansion, endowment funds, seed grants, scholarships, direct individual awards, research and planning, or literary arts programs.