ArtsForward
PHOTO: GroundWorks DanceTheater dancers Madison Pineda, Matthew Saggiomo and Ahna Bonnette in David Shimotakahara’s “Aperture”. Photographer, Dale Dong
About the Program
ArtsForward
As ArtsForward enters its final year of project grants in 2026, we invite you to be part of something meaningful. ArtsForward was built through collective belief in the power of arts and culture to strengthen Summit County. In this final year, individuals can help carry that work forward—100% of individual donations go directly to the people and organizations advancing the Akron/Summit Cultural Plan.
ArtsForward is a grant program facilitated by ArtsNow to provide resources that support The Cultural Plan’s ten key priorities. Through project grants, ArtsForward invests in artists and arts and culture organizations whose work strengthens communities, enhances quality of life, and contributes to a vibrant and resilient Summit County.
ArtsForward project grants support creative, place-based work across the county. Applications are reviewed by a diverse committee of funders, civic leaders, artists, and content experts to ensure funding decisions reflect both community need and sector expertise.
Applicants are encouraged to review the Frequently Asked Questions below prior to applying.
Collective Impact
Thank you to our partners, listed below, and to the many individuals across Summit County who have collectively made ArtsForward possible. Together, this shared investment has supported meaningful work across our region:
- Total number of ArtsForward grantees: 135
- Total invested: $1,432,577
- Artists supported: 54
- Nonprofit organizations supported: 80
This impact reflects a collective effort—by funders, public partners, artists, organizations, and residents—to advance arts, culture, and community well-being across Summit County.
Our Community’s Cultural Plan
Please take a moment to review the frequently asked questions above. If you have additional questions, reach out to our dedicated team at grants@artsnow.org. Our small (but mighty!) team is monitoring this account, ensuring that your inquiries receive attention.
If you email the ArtsNow staff, it will be sent to this email and answered in the order it was received.
FAQs
General
What is ArtsNow?
ArtsNow is the local arts and culture agency for Summit County.
What is the Cultural Plan?
Our Cultural Plan is a community-driven, living document that outlines the ten key priorities to advance arts and culture in Summit County.
What are the ten key priorities of the Akron/Summit Cultural Plan?
- Equity
- Access
- Education
- Talent
- Engagement
- Resources
- Connections
- Placemaking
- Economic Impact
- Public Art
Read more about each priority here. We highly recommend reading about the ten key priorities before submitting your application.
Will the priority I select affect how my application is scored?
No. The priority selected is not a scoring criterion. Please select the priority that most closely aligns with your project.
Eligibility
Do projects have to take place in Summit County?
Yes. Only projects that take place in Summit County will be considered.
Who can apply?
Nonprofit organizations in Summit County can apply. Those who do not have 501(c)(3) status must use a nonprofit fiscal sponsor.
Can I apply for general operating support?
No. ArtsForward funds projects only. General operating requests are not eligible.
If I have received an ArtsForward grant in the past, can I apply again?
If you have received a past ArtsForward grant, you are welcome to apply again for a different project. However, applications that have not previously received an ArtsForward grant will be prioritized.
Can I apply for ArtsForward funding to support an existing project?
No. ArtsForward prioritizes funding new projects.
If I am not eligible to apply for ArtsForward, where else should I seek funding?
ArtsNow has put together a list of additional funding opportunities to help you reach your goals.
Application
When does the application open?
The application opens on April 1, 2026 at 12:01am and closes April 19, 2026 at 11:59 PM.
How much can I request?
You can request up to $25,000. Please submit a budget that is realistic to the size and scope of your project as the distribution recommendation committee is asked to assess the feasibility and accuracy of the project budget.
What questions will be included in the application?
The 2026 application will be available to review no later than March 16, 2026.
When will I find out if I received the grant?
Applicants will be notified of their application status in June, 2026.
Who is selecting which grants are awarded funds?
The ArtsForward distribution committee consists of respected artists, community and neighborhood leaders, and Summit County residents who will ensure that the program’s investments align with the Akron/Summit Cultural Plan’s key priorities. This commitment to community involvement and engagement is what makes our community a special place to live and work.
Who should I contact if I am having trouble navigating the grant platform?
Contacting Foundant’s tech support team directly is the fastest and easiest way to troubleshoot. Please contact ArtsNow’s staff if Foundant’s tech support team is unable to help with your issue.
Support Contact Information:
Phone: 877-297-0043 and choose option #2.
Email: support@foundant.com
Past recipients:
This funding program is made possible thanks to:
