The Bainbridge Island City Council reviewed a presentation on a cultural funding project as part of its June 17 study session.

The project was created by the council and aims to support BI residents and visitors, and seeks to avoid ongoing one-time funding requests from organizations to the city, management analyst Adam Nebenzahl said. Funds are taken from the city’s general fund to promote cultural funding programs.

Eligible applicants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, be in continuous operation for two years and must have at least one ongoing cultural program open to the public. Alternatively, they may provide services such as training to arts professionals on BI, per city documents.

“If an organization doesn’t meet at least the first two requirements, they are able to apply under a fiscal sponsorship of another organization that has that required status,” Nebenzahl said. “This fiscal sponsor provides the oversight of the project and must agree to enter into a funding contract with the city.”

The services must also be provided during the calendar years of 2026 and 2027, he said. The council plans to take formal action on the project at its July 8 meeting.

“We are also now including capital projects as an eligible part of the application. Previously, it was only project support and operating support, but the council liaisons felt it was also possible to include capital projects in that as we move forward, for something to consider,” Nebenzahl said.

The cultural element is included in the city’s comprehensive plan, Nebenzahl said.

“This cultural element continues to recognize that the arts and humanities significantly contribute to the city’s identity, sense of place and economy, showing the need and the desire to want to help invest in the community and arts and cultural funding,” per city documents.

The planned funding level for 2026-2027 is $300,000. Applicants may seek a minimum annual award of $5,000 and a maximum of $50,000, per city documents.

Funding must be used for the majority of services provided on BI or for its residents or visitors, Nebenzahl said.