Assembly’s Creative Impact Fund

The Creative Impact Fund (CIF), administered by Assembly for the Arts, is an unrestricted grant program designed to empower artists residing in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. The fund supports individuals who are actively engaged in impactful and innovative creative work. With an emphasis on fostering regional cultural growth and promoting equity, the CIF encourages artistic contributions that have the potential to heal, connect, and spotlight social injustices in pursuit of equitable change. In 2025, the CIF will award grants to 30 artists, divided equally between Early Career and Mid-Late Career artists. Fifteen Early Career artists will each receive $5,000, while fifteen Mid-Late Career artists will be awarded $10,000. The grant is unrestricted, meaning recipients have full discretion over how funds are used to support their creative practice. Beyond financial support, CIF recipients will benefit from a one-year membership with Assembly for the Arts, business and professional development opportunities, promotion via Assembly's digital platforms, and exclusive access to additional opportunities throughout the year. To qualify, applicants must be artists who meet Assembly’s definition of an artist, be at least 18 years of age, and have a verifiable residential address in Cuyahoga County. Studio addresses or P.O. Boxes are not accepted as valid residency. Those who received grants from specified local arts programs in 2023 or 2024 are ineligible, as are nonprofit organizations, collectives, staff or board members of Assembly for the Arts and Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, and prior program panelists. The application process is conducted online via Submittable, though paper applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis for accessibility. Applications open on May 14, 2025, and must be submitted by July 18, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. The review panel will assess applications from August through October 2025, with award notifications issued between October and November 2025. Artists needing assistance with the application or translation services are encouraged to contact Assembly for the Arts directly. Applicants are advised to attend one of three grant information sessions being held on May 22, June 5, and July 8, 2025. These sessions offer valuable guidance for prospective applicants and provide clarity on eligibility, funding priorities, and the application process. The CIF initiative is made possible through a public grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture and aligns with Assembly’s mission to increase equity and opportunities in Cleveland’s creative and cultural sectors.