ArtsForward
PHOTO: GroundWorks DanceTheater dancers Madison Pineda, Matthew Saggiomo and Ahna Bonnette in David Shimotakahara’s “Aperture”. Photographer, Dale Dong
About the Program
Summit County’s arts and culture community is getting a boost with ArtsForward, a grant program facilitated by ArtsNow aimed to provide resources to support Akron/Summit Cultural Plan’s ten key priorities.
ArtsForward Applications Open March 1, 2025!
Thank you to everyone who submitted an ArtsForward application this year. A selection committee comprising both funders and community representatives carefully chose 29 ArtsForward grantees. This year, ArtsNow will distribute over $402,000 in grants because of your support!
And we’re keeping the momentum going! Join residents from across Summit County by contributing to ArtsForward. Every dollar you donate will be matched by Knight Foundation up to $1 million in support of arts and culture in our community.
Join us in moving arts and culture forward in Summit County!
FAQs
General
What is ArtsNow?
ArtsNow is the local arts and culture agency for Summit County.
What is the Akron/Summit Cultural Plan?
The Akron/Summit Cultural Plan is a community-driven, living document that outlines the ten key priorities to advance arts and culture in Akron and 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 is due on April 1st, 2025 at 11:59 PM. Late applications will not be accepted.
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.
I am new to ArtsForward/grant writing. How can I learn more before submitting my application?
ArtsNow will host a free information session via Zoom on March 4th at noon. The webinar will be recorded and posted to YouTube for those who are unable to attend.
What questions will be included in the application?
View a PDF of the application here.
When will I find out if I received the grant?
Applicants will be notified of their application status by mid to late June, 2025.
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:
Welty Family Foundation
The full Akron/Summit County 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 actively 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.