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
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
*EXTENDED DEADLINE* October 31, 2026, 11:59 p.m. – Application closes
December 2026 – 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 Grant 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