Creative Impact Fund (CIF)

Creative Impact Fund (CIF) is sponsored by Assembly for the Arts (Cuyahoga Arts & Culture). The Creative Impact Fund is designed to encourage the growth of an artist's creative practice. It is open to individual Cuyahoga County-based artists of all creative expressions.

While focused on individual artists, nonprofits often work with individual artists on public art projects, making this a potential avenue for funding the artistic component of a mural project.

Creative Impact Fund – Assembly for the Arts Please read the CIF Program Guidelines and FAQ before starting your application. Use the Applicant Toolbox below to get started. Applications open: Wednesday, May 13, 2026 Applications close: Friday, July 17, 2026 at 11:59 p.

m. Panel review and scoring: August – October, 2026 Applicants notified of panel decisions: November, 2026 Artists and creatives don’t just enrich our region—they drive it forward. They spark joy, make space for healing, and build connection across differences.

They also tell the truths that demand attention, exposing injustice and pushing us toward a more just and equitable future. The Creative Impact Fund exists to back that power with unrestricted support—so you can invest in your creative practice on your own terms and keep making work that moves Greater Cleveland.

Assembly for the Arts is proud to relaunch the Creative Impact Fund (CIF) in 2026—because artists deserve real, flexible resources to grow their practice and expand their impact across our region. This year, the CIF will award twenty-two (22) forward-thinking artists and creatives with $10,000 each in unrestricted funds.

The CIF is open to artists living in Cuyahoga County who have been creating impactful and inventive work in craft, dance, design, film, interdisciplinary work, media, music, theatre & performance, traditional arts, visual art, and writing/literary art. For full details—including Assembly’s definitions of Artists and Creative Disciplines —please review the Creative Impact Fund Guidelines .

Assembly for the Arts is supported by the residents of Cuyahoga County through a public grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture .

$10,000 in unrestricted funds A one-year Assembly for the Arts Membership Business and professional development opportunities, including marketing, networking, connections to partners or potential collaborators Special access to opportunities as they arise throughout the year 2025 Cleveland Impact Fund Grantees Submit an online application by clicking the button below.

Artists will need to create a free Submittable account or use their existing account to submit their application. Submit an Application The CIF application will be available in English, with Spanish-language versions and other translation support provided as needed. Paper applications will be provided on a case-by-case basis for accessibility.

Anyone who needs language assistance, accommodations, or other support in applying for CIF is encouraged to contact us at grants@assemblycle. org. Photos from prior CIF Grantees CIF 2026 Applicant Toolbox Access the 2026 CIF Frequently Asked Questions Explore the 2026 CIF Guidelines Learn more about the 2026 CIF Work Sample Guidelines Join us for a Grant Info Session May 20, 2026 | 6-7:30 p.

m. | Recording Accessible Below June 4, 2026 | 12-1:30 p. m.

| Recording Accessible Below Artist Grant Information Session - CIF and Boost To be eligible for the Creative Impact Fund, applicants must: Satisfy the definition of artist or creative as defined in the Program Guidelines Live and work in Cuyahoga County and provide proof of residency // S tudio addresses (unless it’s your place of residence) and P. O. Boxes are not accepted.

Be able to complete a W-9 form with a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) Be 18 years of age or older Ineligible applicants include: Artists who have received Cuyahoga Arts & Culture funded artist grants from any of the following programs within the last five years (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 or 2025): Assembly for the Arts: Creative Impact Fund Karamu House: Room in the House Fellowship Cleveland Public Theatre: Premiere Fellowship or Individual Artist Fund Julia de Burgos (Unidos Por El Arte) Panelists or jury members for Assembly artist grant programs Current staff members, board members, or contractors of Assembly for the Arts or Cuyahoga Arts & Culture (CAC) Immediate family members, domestic or romantic partners, or household members of current staff, board or contractors of Assembly for the Arts or Cuyahoga Arts & Culture (CAC)* Nonprofit organizations, businesses or collectives.

Artists who are part of organizations or businesses must apply as individuals *Assembly for the Arts reserves the right to determine that an applicant is ineligible where any actual, potential, or apparent conflict of interest or appearance of impropriety would compromise the fairness or integrity of the program. *Eligible artists may apply for and receive Assembly’s Creative Impact Fund and Boost Fund in the same year.

Explore Previous CIF Grantees Be sure to read our Frequently Asked Questions or email us at grants@assemblycle. org Learn About the Boost Fund Thank You to our Community Partners tag keeps this out of the DOM until ============================================= --> The rhythm of Assembly for the Arts Enter your email address below to stay up-to-date with all arts and cultural initiatives of Assembly for the Arts.

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