ArtsNow Grant Programs
Photo Credit (Akron Art Museum, Ilenia Pezzaniti)
ArtsNow is proud to offer a range of unique grant opportunities to support the cultural sector and quality of life programs in Summit County, aligned with the Cultural Plan. These grants aim to foster creativity, enhance cultural experiences, and support community development.
Grant Portal Log-in
ArtsForward
ArtsForward Project Grants – 2026 (Final Year)
ArtsForward is made possible through the shared investment of local philanthropy, public partners, and individual donors countywide. As ArtsForward enters its final year of project grants in 2026, individuals can help sustain this work—100% of donations are directed to the people and organizations moving the Cultural Plan forward. Follow the link to support this important work!
Please review the grant overview page before applying.
- March 16, 2026 – Application available to preview in the grant portal
- March 25, 2026 – Optional Applicant Overview Webinar– Helpful if this is your first-time applying. Registration opens March 1.
- April 1, 2026-– 12:01 a.m. – Application opens
- April 19, 2026– 11:59 p.m. – Application closes
- Early June – Applicants notified
Placemaking Grants
Placemaking Project Grants are made possible through a generous investment and partnership with the Summit County Land Bank. This funding provides direct support to projects that advance creative placemaking efforts aligned with The Cultural Plan.
These grants support projects that use arts and culture as a tool to strengthen neighborhoods, activate public spaces, and respond to local priorities in collaboration with residents and community partners.
- July 13, 2026 – Application available to preview in the grant portal
- August 1, 2026 – Application opens
- August 16, 2026– 11:59 p.m. – Application closes
- Early October – Applicants notified
Creative Investment Program
The Creative Investment Program (CIP), presented by ArtsNow with support from the Ian Patrick Schwarber Foundation, provides grants of up to $2,500 to Summit County artists and creatives to invest in their professional growth.
CIP invests directly in people- supporting training, learning opportunities, and experiences that help artists advance their work and contribute to a resilient, thriving creative ecosystem across Summit County.
September 1, 2026, 12:01 a.m. – Application opens
September 13, 2026, 11:59 p.m. – Application closes
Early November – Applicants notified
If your proposal is not a fit for one of our grant programs, there are other opportunities available! ArtsNow put together a list of additional funding resources for artists and nonprofits:
Funding Opportunities for Nonprofits
- Akron Community Foundation
- Burton D. Morgan Foundation
- Corbin Foundation
- FirstEnergy Foundation
- GAR Foundation
- Huntington-Akron Foundation
- Knight Foundation
- Ohio Arts Council
- Peg’s Foundation
- Ohio Humanities
- National Endowment for the Arts
- National Endowment for the Humanities
Funding Opportunities for Individuals
Previously Funded Projects
ArtsForward
Grant recipients by year
2025 Grant Recipients
Creative Investment Program
Recipients by year
2025 Recipients
Creative Placemaking Grants
How to Apply
Applications are available through the portal and include application instructions.
ArtsNow is committed to fostering a thriving arts community in Summit County, and we look forward to supporting innovative, impactful projects in 2025.
Contact Information
Email: Grants@ArtsNow.org
“The funding community recognized the immense potential of the Cultural Plan and knew it was time to ignite that vision. We’re excited to expand the ArtsNow Grant Program, which will fuel creativity, enrich cultural experiences, and drive immense growth for our sector in Summit County.” – Nicole Mullet