Please read the CIF Program Guidelines and FAQ before starting your application.
Use the Applicant Toolbox below to get started.
Important 2026 Dates:
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
Virtual Grant Info Sessions
May 20, 2026 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Register
June 4, 2026 | 12-1:30 p.m. | Register
About the Creative Impact Fund
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.
Awarded Artists Receive:
- $10,000 in unrestricted funds
- Promotion as a CIF grantee on Assembly’s website, social media and other platforms
- 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
Ready to Apply?
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.
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
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility
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 // Studio 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
Ineligibility
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
- SPACES Urgent Art 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.
Questions?
Be sure to read our Frequently Asked Questions or email us at grants@assemblycle.org
