Sustainability: Large Arts Nonprofits
Sustainability: Large Arts Nonprofits supports Ohio arts organizations with operating funds for staff, facilities, and programming to sustain regional services, engage audiences, and maintain arts employment.
Funder: Ohio Arts Council
Due Dates: February 1, 2027, at 5 p.m. ET (FY 2028 applications/updates) | February 1, 2028, at 5 p.m. ET (FY 2029 applications/updates)
Funding Amounts: Formula-based four-year operating awards; 1:1 cash match required
Summary: Flexible operating support sustains Ohio’s 40 largest qualifying arts nonprofits as economic and civic anchors.
Key Information: Applicants must have received qualifying OAC grants in each of the previous two fiscal years.
Description
The Ohio Arts Council’s Sustainability: Large Arts Nonprofits program provides ongoing operating support to Ohio’s 40 largest qualifying arts organizations, determined by eligible annual operating income. Four-year awards support staff, facilities, and programming, helping institutions maintain regional programs and services, engage audiences, and sustain creative and administrative employment.
Funding can support salaries, artist fees, marketing, program planning, space rental, accessibility costs, and evaluation. The program values artistic, educational, and cultural quality alongside responsiveness to community needs. Its assessment emphasizes reaching new participants, benefiting the broader community, effective promotion, clear goals, inclusive planning, measurable results, and responsible resource management.
