Title
Inspire Olympia Funding Recommendations for 2026 -2028
Recommended Action
Move to approve and advance for City Council consideration a recommendation to fund one- and two-year contracts for cultural services effective July 1, 2026, and an allocation for Cultural Access Programs in Olympia Public Schools for SY 2026-27, from the Cultural Access Fund.
Report Issue:
Whether to approve funding recommendations.
Staff Contact:
Marygrace Goddu, Inspire Olympia Program Manager, Community Planning & Economic Development, 360.480.0923
Presenter(s):
Ms. Goddu
Amelia Layton, Inspire Olympia Program Specialist, Community Planning & Economic Development, 360.570.3808
Background and Analysis:
City code establishes the Cultural Access Advisory Board (CAAB) and includes among the duties of the Board:
- To review grant applications for programming that meets criteria for providing public benefit as provided in RCW 36.160.110;
- To recommend funding levels for grant applicants to City Council; and
- To recommend a percentage of funds to be available annually to be reserved for a public school cultural access program established and managed by the City to increase opportunities for cultural activities and programming for public school students.
Cultural Access Fund Revenue
In 2025 the CAAB adopted and City Council approved a four-year spending plan for the Cultural Access Fund to fully utilize available funds, increase community impact, and offer steady funding levels over time, supporting our mission to serve as a reliable source of public funding. The plan had two important components:
- Increase granting opportunity for both Comprehensive and Impact funding pathways.
- Spend down the Cultural Access Fund gradually so that by 2029 the fund carries forward ten to twenty percent our annual contract commitments, or about $500k.
Current Application Review Process
Ninety-four eligible organizations submitted proposals for funding in the coming cycle, with 17 organizations s...
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