ArtsWave Catalyzing Impact Grant

The Catalyzing Impact Grants program, managed by ArtsWave, is designed to support a broad range of arts and cultural heritage projects across the Cincinnati region. ArtsWave is a nonprofit organization committed to advancing the arts through strategic investments and partnerships. Each year, the organization distributes over $10 million in grant funding to support projects that align with its Blueprint for Collective Action in the Arts. The Catalyzing Impact Grants are a key component of this strategy, aiming to foster community engagement through the arts while promoting cultural inclusivity and creativity. This particular grant opportunity is funded by contributions to the 2025 ArtsWave Community Campaign and the ArtsWave Women’s Leadership Roundtable. The program specifically seeks to engage communities through innovative and impactful arts projects. Applicants are encouraged to design programs that reflect the goals of ArtsWave’s Blueprint, such as deepening community roots through arts experiences, bridging cultural divides, and strengthening the regional economy through artistic initiatives. Eligible applicants may include any organization proposing a qualifying arts or cultural heritage project, regardless of sector. However, only one application is permitted per organization per deadline, and each organization may receive only one Catalyzing Impact Grant per fiscal year. Furthermore, organizations that have received this grant for two consecutive years are required to skip one fiscal year before reapplying. This limitation ensures equitable distribution of funding and opportunities across the community. Award amounts for the Catalyzing Impact Grant may reach up to $10,000 or 50% of the total project expenses, whichever is less. Importantly, this grant requires a 1:1 matching contribution from the applicant organization, emphasizing the shared investment between ArtsWave and the grantees in advancing cultural programming. The match can be fulfilled through cash or in-kind contributions that directly support the proposed project. The application for the FY2026 Catalyzing Impact Grant opens on December 8, 2025. Applicants are encouraged to prepare in advance by attending one of the scheduled grant writing workshops focused on general proposal development, goal setting and assessment, or budget planning. Applications must be submitted through ArtsWave’s online grantee portal, Submittable. New users can access a downloadable handbook for navigating the platform effectively. For more information or specific questions regarding the application process, applicants may contact Lori Burkhardt, Manager of Grant Programs, or Ray Gargano, Vice President of Community Investments. Contact details are provided on the ArtsWave website. The program does not specify the closing deadline, award notification timeline, or performance period, but it typically follows a December/January cycle annually, with recurring opportunities each year.