Arts and Culture Fund

The Arts and Culture Fund is a program of the Greater Toledo Community Foundation, a locally rooted philanthropic organization that fosters inclusive and collaborative investments to improve community sustainability. Known for leveraging its longstanding presence and regional expertise, the Foundation serves as a catalyst for transformative initiatives through strategic funding aligned with regional planning priorities. This grant opportunity supports place-based public arts projects such as installations, murals, and performances intended to strengthen social cohesion in Toledo’s neighborhoods. It prioritizes initiatives that contribute to the development of vibrant cultural hubs, reflect local history, and foster civic pride. These projects must be grounded in community engagement and demonstrate alignment with the Toledo Strategic Plan for Arts & Culture. Priority will be given to proposals that incorporate input from local residents and organizations and those that engage multiple nonprofit collaborators of varying sizes and focus areas. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations holding a valid 501(c)(3) tax-exempt designation from the IRS and must demonstrate prior experience successfully delivering public art projects or performances. Projects should include a clearly articulated plan for resident participation and must be able to be completed within a two-year period. While the maximum grant request per proposal is capped at $100,000, applicants may include up to 20% of indirect costs in their budgets. Projects that directly serve City of Toledo neighborhoods will receive preference in funding consideration. However, funds are limited and not intended as a recurring or annual support source. All applications must be submitted via the Foundation’s online portal and will undergo a review by Foundation staff and the Board of Trustees. Notifications regarding funding decisions will be made by the end of the calendar year. Notably, any project expenses incurred before official award notification will not be reimbursed or funded retroactively. The application requires a detailed proposal addressing project goals, implementation timelines, responsible personnel, evaluation methods, and long-term sustainability plans. Applicants must also submit a complete project budget and supporting documents, including an organizational board list, IRS exemption letter, organization background, and financial statements. If audited financial statements are unavailable, unaudited income and expense statements and a board-approved operating budget must be provided, all dated within 18 months of submission. The deadline for submission is October 24, 2025, at 11:59 PM. There is no pre-application requirement or rolling deadline. Awards will be announced before the end of the year. There is no indication that this is a recurring grant cycle, and applicants are advised not to assume repeat funding opportunities.

Carefully review the guidelines prior to applying. Prioritize community engagement and alignment with the Toledo Strategic Plan for Arts & Culture.