[Cleveland Foundation](https://www.clevelandfoundation.org)

October 1, 2025

Grant amount not specified; designed for small to medium organizations (budgets under $300,000).

Supports capacity-building and sustainability for BIPOC-led arts organizations in Cleveland.

--- ## Description The Equity in the Arts Fund is an initiative of the Cleveland Foundation aimed at strengthening and building the capacity of small and medium-sized arts and cultural organizations in the city of Cleveland that are led by and serve Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). The fund recognizes the critical role these organizations play in enriching Cleveland’s cultural landscape and seeks to address persistent inequities within the arts sector by supporting their sustainability and growth. --- ## Due Dates - October 1, 2025: Application deadline for Equity in the Arts Fund (full application) --- ## Funding Amount - The specific grant amount or range is not published. - The fund is targeted at organizations with annual operating budgets under $300,000. - Funding is intended to support capacity-building and sustainability for eligible organizations. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be arts or cultural organizations: - Led by and serving BIPOC communities. - Located in the city of Cleveland. - With an annual operating budget of less than $300,000. - Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status or apply through a qualified fiscal sponsor. - Service area must include Cuyahoga County (Cleveland). --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted through the [Cleveland Foundation Grants Gateway](https://www.clevelandfoundation.org/grants/grants-gateway-log-in/). - New applicants must register in the Grants Gateway portal. Registration should be completed at least two weeks before the deadline. - Required materials typically include: - Organization profile and mission - Project summary and budget - Board list, organizational chart, and financial statements - Demographic information - If applying via fiscal sponsor, a Fiscal Sponsorship Agreement is required ([template available here](https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.iphiview.com%2Ftcf%2FLinkClick.aspx%3Ffileticket%3Duixq7cfcqec%253d%26tabid%3D676%26mid%3D2474&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK)) - All required documents must be uploaded and the application submitted via the portal by 11:59 p.m. EST on the deadline. --- ## Additional Information - Only organizations serving Cleveland and meeting the budget and BIPOC-leadership criteria are eligible. - The Cleveland Foundation cannot guarantee individual assistance in the days immediately before the deadline. - Applicants may check the status of their submission and receive notifications through the Grants Gateway portal. --- ## External Links - [Equity in the Arts Fund Overview](https://www.clevelandfoundation.org/grants/other-grant-opportunities/overview) - [Cleveland Foundation Grants Gateway](https://www.clevelandfoundation.org/grants/grants-gateway-log-in/) - [Apply for a Grant – General Info](https://www.clevelandfoundation.org/grants/apply-for-a-grant) - [Fiscal Sponsorship Template](https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.iphiview.com%2Ftcf%2FLinkClick.aspx%3Ffileticket%3Duixq7cfcqec%253d%26tabid%3D676%26mid%3D2474&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |-------------------------|-------------------------------------------------| | General inquiries | [Cleveland Foundation Contact Page](https://www.clevelandfoundation.org/contact?regards=general_information) | | Grants management team | grantsmgmt@clevefdn.org | | Phone | 216.861.3810 | ---

Equity in the Arts Fund

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