ArtSTART Grant

The ArtSTART program, administered by the Ohio Arts Council, offers project-based funding to a wide array of organizations engaged in arts programming across Ohio. This grant initiative is tailored to provide accessible and flexible support for short-term arts-related projects. It specifically encourages applications from new and emerging organizations, including those applying to the Council for the first time, as well as established groups operating in regions underserved by existing arts infrastructure. The primary aim is to bolster artistic endeavors and community engagement by expanding access to quality arts experiences. Eligible applicants include nonprofit entities or those with demonstrable nonprofit intent. These may encompass arts and cultural organizations across disciplines—such as visual, performing, literary, traditional, and multidisciplinary arts—alongside educational institutions ranging from preschools to universities, and other community organizations offering arts programming, including government and social service agencies. However, organizations currently funded under the Sustainability or Statewide Arts Service Organizations programs are not eligible for ArtSTART grants. Grants are awarded annually and may support a diverse set of expenses. Funds can be used to cover artistic, educational, and administrative costs, including marketing, planning, evaluation, and implementation of activities. Typical projects funded include community festivals, art exhibitions, performances, literary publications, and seasonal programming. While artistic expenditures are common, the application budget outlines additional permissible cost areas. All awards require a 1:1 cash match, and final funding amounts are determined relative to the quality of the application as assessed by a public panel of experts. Applications must be submitted through the ARTIE portal. After acceptance, grantees may request an initial 50% partial payment upon verifying partial completion of the project. Final disbursement is contingent upon submission and approval of a comprehensive final report. The Ohio Arts Council reserves the right to request further documentation prior to issuing final payments. Evaluation is based on a competitive scoring rubric encompassing Program Quality, Community Engagement, Defining and Measuring Success, and Resource Management. Each criterion is scored on a five-point scale, totaling a maximum of 60 points. Applications are reviewed in a transparent public panel meeting, and funding decisions are finalized by the Council’s Board. Applications for the FY2026 cycle open in November 2024 and are due by April 1, 2025. Awards will be announced in July 2025, and grant agreements must be finalized by August 30, 2025. A final report is due within 30 days following the end of the funded project. The program recurs annually, with FY2027 applications opening in November 2025 and closing on April 1, 2026. Recipients are expected to adhere strictly to timelines, or risk ineligibility for future funding for up to five years.