2027 Capacity Building

The Capacity Building program offered by the Ohio Arts Council is designed to strengthen the internal operations of organizations through the use of external expertise. This initiative focuses on supporting the infrastructure of Ohio-based arts and cultural entities by providing resources to enhance strategic planning, evaluation, staff development, and organizational knowledge. The program aligns with the Ohio Arts Council's mission to foster and encourage the development of the arts and cultural activities that enrich the lives of Ohioans. This grant specifically supports projects that aim to improve an organization’s internal capabilities. Examples of eligible activities include consultant-led planning such as strategic or succession planning, consultant-led research such as program evaluation or feasibility studies, and staff development efforts through workshops or conferences. The funding may cover consultant fees, registration costs for professional development events, and associated travel or lodging expenses. It is required that all grant funds be used specifically for external expertise or costs directly linked to professional development initiatives. Grantees must contribute a 1:1 cash match based solely on outside fees, and the maximum grant request allowed is $5,000. Importantly, projects must focus on one specific area of capacity building rather than covering multiple or unrelated activities. Ineligible uses include hiring consultants for routine work or services such as website development or grant writing, as well as support for conference attendance where professional development is not the main purpose. Applications must be submitted through the ARTIE system, with documentation from the proposed expert provider outlining the scope, dates, and fees of the activity. Applicants are also required to list involved staff, board members, or volunteers. Upon award acceptance in ARTIE, grantees may request a 50% advance payment after certifying partial completion. The final payment is contingent on submission and approval of the final report within 30 days of project completion. Applications are accepted on a semiannual basis with deadlines of May 1 and November 1 each year. Projects commencing July 1 must apply by May 1, and those beginning January 1 must apply by November 1. Awards are announced in July and January, respectively. This program follows an annual cycle, and projects can be funded for either six months or one year. Grant recipients risk ineligibility for future Ohio Arts Council funding if they fail to meet reporting requirements. Applicants are encouraged to contact designated staff based on their Ohio region for guidance.

Focus on one area of organizational capacity; ensure consultants are external to the organization; avoid requests for unrelated or routine services.