Assembly for the Arts the nonprofit organization focused on advocacy, cultural policy, racial equity initiatives, research, marketing for nonprofits, artists, and creative businesses, has opened the application for its 2025 Creative Impact Fund (CIF) grant program for early career and mid-late career Cuyahoga County artists. The application period is open until July 18, with the selected artists announced in November.

In its third year, the Creative Impact Fund is one of the largest unrestricted grant funds available to Cuyahoga County artists. By providing flexible funds and investments in professional development support, the program is designed to promote the growth of an artist’s creative practice and advance their impact on Northeast Ohio.

This year, the CIF will award 30 forward-thinking artists and creatives— $5,000 to each of 15 early career artists who have been professionally practicing for five years or less; and $10,000 to each of 15 mid-late career artists who have been professionally practicing for six year or more.

“Artists and creatives positively affect our lives and region every day,” Assembly’s director of artist funding programs Meg Matko said in a statement. “Their work has the power to promote healing, unite people, and highlight social injustices leading to just and equitable change.

“We are proud to continue this funding program in support of artists and the immeasurable benefits they bring to our daily lives, especially during this time of uncertainty for arts funding across the nation,” continues Matko.

The Creative Impact Fund is open to artists living in Cuyahoga County who have been creating impactful and inventive artistic work in the disciplines of craft, dance, design, film, interdisciplinary work, media, music, theatre & performance, traditional arts, visual art, and writing/literary art.

Artists will be selected for funding by a review panel comprised of artists and arts professionals representing a wide range of creative disciplines. Panelists will evaluate applications semi-anonymously and based on criteria that center artistic innovation and community awareness.

Awarded artists will receive:

• $5,000 or $10,000 in unrestricted funds.
• Promotion as a CIF grantee on Assembly’s website, social media, and other platforms.
• A one-year Assembly for the Arts membership.
• Business and professional development opportunities, including marketing, networking, connections to partners, and potential collaborators.
• Special access to opportunities as they arise throughout the year.

Important Dates:

• Applications now open
• Applications close: Friday, July 18 at 11:59 p.m.
• Panel review and scoring: August to October.
• Applicants notified of panel decisions: October to November.

Assembly will offer an in-person information session from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. this Thursday, May 22 at Future Ink Graphics, 2937 W. 25th St, Cleveland, 44113.

A virtual information session will be held on Thursday, June 5 at 12 p.m.

The Creative Impact Fund is open to Cuyahoga County-based artists aged 18 and older who meet other criteria. Assembly for the Arts is supported by the residents of Cuyahoga County through a public grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture. Visit the Creative Impact Fund site for more information.