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The Rapid Action Grant is designed to help boost artists’ ability to fund their creative projects and fill in the gaps when immediate needs arise. Through this program, Cuyahoga County-based artists can request funds to help them with expenses for a public event, project or program or for unexpected costs that arise related to their creative practice. The grant provides rapid disbursement of funds up to $2,000*. Applications are reviewed in the order that they are received and on a rolling basis throughout the year until all program funds have been distributed. 

Who can apply?

• Individual artists ages 18 and older who live and work in Cuyahoga County.  
• Artists who need a funding boost to help cover costs for a public, arts-related project, event or program. 
• Artists who need funds for an unexpected or emergency expense related to their creative practice.  
• Artists cannot be board or staff members of Assembly, Cuyahoga Arts & Culture or Neighborhood Connections, or jurors of any Assembly artist programs. 
• Nonprofit organizations or businesses are not eligible to apply. 
• Artists can submit one (1) application to the Rapid Action Grant each calendar year.

FAQs 

What can I request funds for? 

Rapid Action Grant funds can help artists cover immediate project expenses. Any creative project, event or program can come with costs you weren’t expecting or may not have budgeted for. You might need additional supplies for a workshop, funds to pay artists at a showcase or an urgent need for a festival permit. Rapid Action can provide extra money to make your project possible.

Examples of eligible projects include, but aren’t limited to, artist-run festivals, exhibitions, fairs, performances, workshops, youth programs, public discussions and more. Projects and events should be open and accessible to the public and must take place in Cuyahoga County.

Emergency expenses associated with being a working artist do come up. Whether you find a water leak in your studio, discover you need another microphone or just can’t make the studio rent, the Rapid Action Grant is here to help. Examples of eligible urgent expenses include, but aren’t limited to, studio rent, maintenance, repair or utilities, replacing equipment or materials, unexpected exhibition or performance costs, contractor fees and more.

Ineligible expenses include personal needs such as medical bills, grocery bills, home utilities, or other personal expenses. For full details, please refer to the Guidelines selection criteria or contact Assembly at grants@assemblycle.org with questions.    

 How do I apply? 

Applying is simple! Artists can complete an online application by clicking the ‘Apply’ button on this page. Applications must be completed online through Submittable. Paper applications are not available for the Rapid Action Grant.  

If my application is approved, what’s the turnaround time to receive funds?  

Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received and on a rolling basis throughout the year until all program funds have been distributed. 

Funding decisions will be made within approximately two weeks after an application is submitted, with funds distributed within 30-days upon approval and receipt of required payment documents. 

Are there any funding requirements? 

Artists will need to sign an agreement, submit a W-9 and include the Assembly and CAC logo on program materials. Rapid Action Grant recipients are also required to have a personal bank account to have funds directly deposited. 

Rapid Action Grant is supported by the residents of Cuyahoga County through a public grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture.