Creative Investment Program

The Creative Investment Program, proudly presented by ArtsNow with support from the Ian Patrick Schwarber Foundation, empowers artists and creatives in Summit County. This initiative allows artists and creatives to pursue professional development opportunities, fostering growth and enhancing skills within the local creative community.

We hope you will consider investing in the future of creatives and artists today!

Donate

Applications

Applications close October 27, 2025
at 11:59PM

Grant Portal

Program Overview

Eligible participants can use grant funds, up to $2,500, to cover various professional development expenses, including:

  • Budget Development Courses: Tailored for entrepreneurs and creative small business owners.
  • Leadership Development Programs: Designed to enhance leadership skills within the creative sector.
  • Classes and Workshops: To expand knowledge in specific content areas or craft.
  • Professional Conferences: Relevant to the artist’s or creative’s field.

These grants are designed to support professional artists and creatives who are seeking resources to advance their careers and strengthen their practice. By investing in skill-building and development opportunities, the program helps ensure that Summit County’s creative community has the tools, knowledge, and support needed to grow and thrive.

Grants can be applied towards memberships, courses, and certifications such as:

Examples of Eligible Memberships and Events:
  • Akron Black Artist Guild
  • MORTAR at Bounce Innovation Hub
  • Summit Artspace: Artist Launchpad
  • Torchbearers
  • Artist Communities Alliance
  • National Art Education Association Annual Conference
  • Arts Impact Ohio Conference
Examples of Eligible Certifications:
  • Google Project Management Certification
  • Adobe Animate Certification
  • Adobe CC Design Tools: Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign
  • Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Hear from 2023 CIP Recipients

About the Ian Patrick Schwarber Foundation

The Ian Patrick Schwarber Foundation is a 501(c)(3) that is founded on the principles that Ian Schwarber lived his life. We are left here to honor those principles through not only his own words but through our actions. We are a dedicated group of individuals that will look to make Ian’s voice heard through not only his family but the community he so loved. We are committed to creating a portal in which people can network, donate, and sponsor projects in our community in the way Ian would have done.