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

October 1, 2025

Typical awards for organizations with budgets under $300,000; specific award amounts not published.

Supports BIPOC-led arts organizations in Cleveland to build capacity, leadership, and programming for a stronger, more diverse local arts community.

Only organizations with annual budgets under $300,000 are eligible.

--- ## Description The Equity in the Arts Fund, administered by the Cleveland Foundation, is designed to strengthen and build the capacity of small and medium arts and cultural organizations led by and serving Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) in the city of Cleveland. The fund supports efforts to develop organizational infrastructure, leadership, and programming, with the goal of better serving local communities and fostering a thriving, diverse arts ecosystem in Cleveland. --- ## Due Dates - October 1, 2025: Application deadline --- ## Funding Amount - The fund is intended for organizations with annual operating budgets less than $300,000. - Typical award amounts are not specified publicly, but funding is designed to make a significant impact on small and medium organizations’ capacity, leadership, and programming. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be arts or cultural organizations led by and serving BIPOC communities. - Organizations must have an annual operating budget under $300,000. - Organizations must be located in Cleveland, Ohio. - Applicants must hold 501(c)(3) nonprofit status or apply through a qualifying fiscal sponsor. - Fiscal sponsors must also be 501(c)(3) organizations and submit a signed Fiscal Sponsorship Form with the application. - Organizations must serve residents of Cuyahoga, Lake, or Geauga counties, but this fund is focused specifically on Cleveland-based organizations. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted through the Cleveland Foundation’s [Grants Gateway portal](https://www.clevelandfoundation.org/grants/grants-gateway-log-in/). - New applicants should register in the portal at least two weeks before the deadline to ensure timely processing. - Required application materials include: - Board list with affiliations - Organizational chart - Organization budget - Audit or financial statement - Optional attachments (e.g., additional supporting documents) - Fiscal Sponsor Agreement (if applicable) - Applicants complete a project summary, budget, and demographic information as part of the online process. - Applications are not considered complete until all required documents are uploaded and the application is submitted via the portal. - For detailed step-by-step instructions, refer to the [application guide (PDF)](https://www.clevelandfoundation.org/files/assets/grantsgatewayinstructions.pdf). --- ## Additional Information - Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. EST on the deadline date. - The Cleveland Foundation cannot guarantee individual assistance in the days leading up to the deadline; applicants are encouraged to prepare and submit early. - Award notifications are typically sent by the end of the calendar quarter following the application deadline. --- ## External Links - [Cleveland Foundation – Other Grant Opportunities](https://www.clevelandfoundation.org/grants/other-grant-opportunities) - [Grants Gateway Login](https://www.clevelandfoundation.org/grants/grants-gateway-log-in/) - [Step-by-Step Application Instructions (PDF)](https://www.clevelandfoundation.org/files/assets/grantsgatewayinstructions.pdf) - [Fiscal Sponsorship Form 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 Details | |------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [Contact Form](https://www.clevelandfoundation.org/contact?regards=general_information) | | Grants Management | grantsmgmt@clevefdn.org | | Phone | 216.861.3810 | ---

Equity in the Arts Fund

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