Placemaking Project Grants Overview

Applications for 2026 have closed. We will announce 2027 application timeline in January.

We believe creative placemaking transforms neighborhoods — shaping how we gather, how we move through space, and how we feel at home.

Application Process

Application Portal

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 across Summit County.

In 2026, the City of Akron has committed $25,000 for projects that occur in Akron.

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.

All applications, attachments, and work samples will be submitted through ArtsNow’s online grant platform.

Applications will be reviewed by a panel of conflict-free reviewers with diverse experience in arts administration, arts activities, or arts funding.

Program Timeline:

Applicants can only submit one application.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must be one of the following:

  • 501(c)(3) nonprofit or community organizations
  • Government entities, including state, county, or city agencies
  • Educational institutions, including K–12 public, private, or charter schools, school districts, and higher education institutions
  • Applicants working with an eligible 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor. A letter confirming the fiscal sponsorship must be submitted with the application.

Applicants may submit only one application.

Eligible Projects

Projects must:

  • Take place in Summit County
  • Use arts and culture as a tool for creative placemaking, such as strengthening neighborhoods, activating public spaces, or responding to local priorities
  • Align with the Cultural Plan Placemaking Priority
  • Be for a specific project, not general operating support
  • Be completed within 12 months of the grant award
  • Take place in ADA-compliant facilities or, for outdoor activities, be accessible via ADA-compliant pathways

Eligible activities may include arts festivals, performances, workshops, arts or music therapy, writing, visual art, movement, literature, poetry, and other arts and culture activities.

Funding

Grants of up to $10,000 may support:

  • Artist fees
  • Production costs
  • Supplies and materials
  • Project administration directly related to the project
  • Marketing and outreach to target populations

Not Eligible

Funding cannot support:

  • General operating support
  • Fundraising events or sponsorships
  • Private foundations or endowments
  • Deficit financing or debt retirement
  • Projects that will not be implemented within 12 months of the award
  • Programs that discriminate based on race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status

Project Funding vs Operating Support

Placemaking Project Grants support specific projects, not an organization’s general operations or regular annual programming.

A project should be a distinct, defined effort with its own activities, timeline, budget, and intended outcomes.

For example: An organization’s annual season, regular series of performances or programs, or other recurring activities that make up its normal year-round work would generally be considered general operating or ongoing program support, rather than a specific project. A distinct placemaking initiative developed by that organization, with its own scope, activities, budget, and outcomes, could be eligible.

Expenses such as staff time, administration, marketing, or supplies may be included when they are directly attributable to carrying out the proposed project.

Contact Information
Email: Grants@ArtsNow.org