[Akron Community Foundation](https://www.akroncf.org)

April 2027 (full application deadline, projected)

Annual cycle typically awards $600,000–$700,000 total; individual grants average ~$11,000.

Supports diverse arts, culture, music, dance, and historical preservation projects to enrich and make the arts accessible in Summit County, Ohio.

Only nonprofits serving Summit County are eligible; strong alignment with the county's Cultural Plan is expected.

--- ## Description Akron Community Foundation’s Arts & Culture Grants program provides funding to nonprofit organizations for a wide range of cultural initiatives in Summit County, Ohio. The program supports projects and operating expenses for museums, art exhibitions, live music, dance, community festivals, and historical preservation. The aim is to enhance the vibrancy and accessibility of the arts, benefiting diverse audiences and strengthening the community’s cultural landscape. Funding is distributed through an annual competitive cycle, with priority given to proposals that align with the public priorities set by the Summit County Cultural Plan. --- ## Due Dates - April 2027 (anticipated full application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Typical annual total awarded: $600,000–$700,000 distributed among 50–60 organizations. - Average individual grant: approximately $11,000. - Awards may vary by project scope; both general operating and project-specific requests are considered. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations (or use a fiscal sponsor) serving Summit County, Ohio. - Projects must have a direct impact on arts, culture, music, dance, or historical preservation within Summit County. - Alignment with the Summit County Cultural Plan is required; applicants should demonstrate how their work supports the plan’s public priorities. - First-time applicants are encouraged to contact the foundation before applying and may be asked to participate in an office interview. --- ## Application Process - Applications are accepted annually, with the cycle typically opening in early March and closing in early April. - First-time applicants should complete the "Tell Us About Your Program" form and contact a community investment officer before submitting a full application. - The application requires: - Proposal narrative (purpose, target population, impact, and alignment with the Cultural Plan) - Budget details (organizational and project-specific) - List of key staff and board members - Financial statements (audit or statement of financial position) - Optional: Elevator speech video link - Applications are submitted online via the foundation’s grant portal. - Office interviews may be scheduled for select applicants in late April. - Grant distributions are generally made 6–8 weeks after the application deadline. --- ## Additional Information - Both program/project and general operating support requests are considered. - The foundation encourages inclusive, equitable, and community-focused programming. - Organizations are expected to address diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in their proposals. - Grantees are asked to describe sustainability plans for activities beyond the grant period. --- ## External Links - [Arts & Culture Grants Program Page](https://www.akroncf.org/grantmaking-initiatives/arts-and-culture/grants/) - [Arts & Culture Grant History](https://www.akroncf.org/grantmaking-initiatives/arts-and-culture/grant-history/) - [Competitive Grants Overview](https://www.akroncf.org/grantmaking-initiatives/overview/competitive-grants/) - [Community Fund Grant Application (PDF)](https://www.akroncf.org/wp-content/uploads/Community-Fund-Grant-Application-AC.pdf) - [Summit County Cultural Plan](http://www.akronculturalplan.com) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role/Area | Email | Phone | |------------------------------|----------------------------|------------------------------------------|-----------------| | Cristina González Alcalá, Ph.D. | Director, Community Investment | [cgonzalezalcala@akroncf.org](mailto:cgonzalezalcala@akroncf.org) | 330-436-5626 | | Mariana Silva | Community Investment Officer | [msilva@akroncf.org](mailto:msilva@akroncf.org) | 330-436-5612 | | Brian Reitz | Community Investment Staff | [breitz@akroncf.org](mailto:breitz@akroncf.org) | 330-436-5628 | | General Foundation Contact | — | — | 330-376-8522 | | [Foundation Contact Form](https://www.akroncf.org/contact/) | — | — | — | ---

Arts & Culture Grants

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