ArtsRISE Grant
This program provides funding to nonprofit arts organizations and educational institutions to create inclusive arts activities that engage historically underrepresented communities, including BIPOC individuals, people with disabilities, and older adults.
The ArtsRISE program, administered by the Ohio Arts Council, provides grants to support organizations working to expand access to arts activities for historically underrepresented populations. The program focuses on promoting equity, inclusion, and meaningful engagement with groups such as the BIPOC community, people with disabilities, older adults, Appalachian and rural communities, lower-income communities, LGBTQ+ communities, veterans, and justice-impacted citizens. Grants are available for projects that reflect these populations' representation in staff and leadership or that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion through focused programming. Applicants may request up to $5,000. Organizations with annual arts programming budgets under $100,000 do not require matching funds, while those with larger budgets must provide a one-to-one cash match. Funding supports activities that engage historically underrepresented populations, with examples including creative writing programs for justice-impacted citizens, exhibitions highlighting LGBTQ+ artists, or new partnerships with organizations serving people with disabilities. Projects must have a lasting impact on the organization’s practices, extending beyond the grant period. Eligibility extends to nonprofit arts and cultural organizations, other organizations providing arts programming, and educational institutions from pre-kindergarten through the university level. Applicants must represent or engage with underrepresented populations as a primary focus of their project. Sustainability-Large organizations and Statewide Arts Service Organizations are not eligible. No organization may receive more than two ArtsRISE grants in a three-year period. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis beginning April 1 each year until August 30 or until funds are exhausted. Applications must be submitted at least 90 days before the start of planned activities. The review process includes evaluation by a panel of arts and cultural professionals, who assess applications based on criteria such as program quality, community engagement, defining and measuring success, and resource management. Each category is scored up to 15 points, for a maximum total of 60 points. Funding recommendations are subject to final approval by the OAC Board. Grantees may request partial payments of up to 50 percent of their grant award upon completion of initial project activities and expenses. Final payments are issued after the submission and approval of a final report detailing project outcomes. Applications must be submitted through the ARTIE system, and applicants are encouraged to consult with their regional program coordinator for guidance. The ArtsRISE program emphasizes collaboration, representation, and sustainable impact, providing a valuable opportunity for organizations committed to equity and inclusion in the arts. Additional guidance, application steps, and resources are available through the Ohio Arts Council website.
Award Range
Not specified - $5,000
Total Program Funding
Not specified
Number of Awards
Not specified
Matching Requirement
Yes - 1:1 cash for organizations with an annual arts budget over $100,000
Additional Details
Grants may support organizations whose staff and board represent specific communities or efforts to improve accessibility and inclusivity.
Eligible Applicants
Additional Requirements
All applicants must possess nonprofit status or nonprofit intent. Applicants may be: 1) arts and cultural organizations in any arts discipline (literature, performing arts, visual arts, traditional arts, multidisciplinary arts, etc.); 2) other organizations that provide arts programming (government entities, social service agencies, etc.); or 3) educational organizations (public, private, charter, and parochial schools from pre-kindergarten through university level) that demonstrate a commitment to arts programming in a larger community setting. The ArtsRISE program supports organizations made up of and/or serving historically underrepresented populations, comprised of groups whose representation has been disproportionately low relative to their numbers in the general population. Examples may include, but are not limited to, the BIPOC community, people with disabilities, older adults, Appalachian and rural communities, lower income communities, LGBTQ+ communities, veterans, and justice-impacted citizens. Additionally, applying organizations must be either: representative of the population they serve, with at least 50 percent of staff and board combined made up of individuals from a specific historically underrepresented population, or advancing accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusivity with an historically underrepresented population(s). These projects must intentionally engage this population(s) as the primary focus of the project; those seeking support for a portion of ongoing work or existing programming that is in no way focused on – yet happens to engage – a historically underrepresented population(s) will be deemed ineligible. Applicants may be: 1) arts and cultural organizations in any arts discipline (literature, performing arts, visual arts, traditional arts, multidisciplinary arts, etc.); 2) other organizations that provide arts programming (government entities, social service agencies, etc.); or 3) educational organizations (public, private, charter, and parochial schools from pre-kindergarten through university level) that demonstrate a commitment to arts programming in a larger community setting. Historically underrepresented populations are comprised of groups whose representation has been disproportionately low relative to their numbers in the general population. Examples may include, but are not limited to, the BIPOC community, people with disabilities, older adults, Appalachian and rural communities, lower income communities, LGBTQ+ communities, veterans, and justice-impacted citizens. ArtsRISE awards may not be used to fund activities described in and already being supported through another OAC grant award. Sustainability Mid-Sized and Small grantees may apply but may not request funding to support established programming; Sustainability-Large organization or Statewide Arts Service Organization are ineligible to apply to ArtsRISE. No organization may receive more than two ArtsRISE grants in any three fiscal year period.
Geographic Eligibility
All
Application Opens
April 1, 2025
Application Closes
August 30, 2025
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