Assembly for the Arts Opens Applications for Boost Fund Artist Grants
CLEVELAND, March 26, 2026 — Assembly for the Arts has opened applications for The Boost Fund, a grant opportunity for Cuyahoga County artists working in all creative disciplines. The Boost Fund provides a $1,500 “boost” of flexible funding to offset the costs of creative projects, materials, equipment, events, and artist-specific needs.
The Boost Fund will award 144 artists across three cycles, with 48 artists selected per cycle. To level the playing field and ensure equitable access to public funding, awards are determined using a nationally modeled random selection process. Artists may submit one application per cycle until selected. The first application cycle is open now through April 13, 2026.
“The Boost Fund provides artists with a modest amount of flexible funds to support their creative practice and share their work with a broader public, bring their ideas to fruition, especially early-career artists who may be new to grant funding. Last year, artists used the grants for supplies and equipment, studio rent and utilities, public events and performances and more,” said Deidre McPherson, Chief Community Officer at Assembly for the Arts. “We are excited to offer this meaningful grant opportunity again this year.”
Applications will be open for approximately 4 weeks per cycle, according to the following timeline:
- Cycle 1 – Applications will be open March 20 – April 13, 2026
- Cycle 2 – Applications will be open July 24 – August 24, 2026
- Cycle 3 – Applications will be open October 21 – November 19, 2026
Last year, 41% of applicants were seeking grant funding for the first time, and 65% had never been awarded a grant before. The program is open to Cuyahoga County-based artists aged 18 and older. Artists who have received a grant from Assembly or other artist grant programs publicly funded by Cuyahoga Arts & Culture in 2024 or 2025 are not eligible to apply for this funding opportunity so that we can extend the opportunity to other artists. For full details about the Boost Fund, please visit www.assemblycle.org/boost.
The Boost Fund is supported by the residents of Cuyahoga County through a public grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture.
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About Assembly: Assembly for the Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that unifies Greater Cleveland’s creative sector by coordinating information, partnerships, and opportunities and advocating for strong public and private investment in arts and culture. It supports nonprofits, artists, and creative businesses through research, policy, and sector-wide services, working closely with Cuyahoga Arts & Culture and Assembly for Action (a 501(c)(4) advocacy affiliate). Learn more at www.assemblycle.org.
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Malissa Bodmann
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