CYCLE 1 OPENS MAY 26TH
2026 Program Overview
The Arts Commission values the many artists across disciplines who are part of Toledo's vibrant creative community. The Accelerator Grant is a competitive program offering financial support for local Emerging and Hobbyist artists to advance their creative projects and pursue artistic growth. Eligible categories of support for this program are limited to Materials + Supplies, Equipment, Professional Development, and Project Support. Grant request amounts are not to exceed $1,000.
The Arts Commission's work is made possible through support from the Ohio Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts and other generous supporters.
Please read the 2026 Accelerator Grant Guidelines for the full program details.
‼️ Cycle 1 applications are due Tuesday, June 16th at noon, 12:00 pm.
2026 Accelerator Grant Cycles
Cycle 1—May 26–June 16
Cycle 2—August 3–25
Eligible categories of support are limited to
— Materials + Supplies
— Equipment
— Professional Development
— Project Support
Eligible Applicants
— Individual artists and artist collectives with a current residence or a creative studio within 30 miles of downtown Toledo may be eligible.
— The Accelerator Grant is open to artists across all mediums.
— Applicants who identify as Hobbyist or Emerging Artists are eligible to apply (see the FAQ on this page or the 2026 Accelerator Grant Guidelines for descriptions).
— Applications will be accepted from university or college level adjunct teachers.
Ineligible Applicants
— Artists enrolled in a degree or certificate-granting program of any kind at the time of application are NOT eligible for Accelerator Grants. Applications will not be accepted before the graduation date.
— Artists teaching full-time at a college or university (as a tenure track or full-time salaried employee) at the time of application are NOT eligible for Accelerator Grants.
— Artists currently employed by The Arts Commission or serving as members of The Arts Commission’s Board of Trustees are NOT eligible for Accelerator Grants.
— Applicants self-identifying as Mid-career or Established Artists are NOT eligible to apply for an Accelerator Grant. We encourage those artists to apply for the Merit Award that opens in late August.
— Commercial photographers or graphic designers are NOT eligible for Accelerator Grants. For the purposes of this program, a commercial artist is someone who creates visual artworks for commercial purposes, primarily to promote and sell products, services, or ideas.
— Nonprofits are NOT eligible for this opportunity.
Review Process
Applications will be reviewed by a Grant Panel composed of The Arts Commission’s Board of trustee members and representatives from the performing, literary, and visual arts communities (both from Toledo and the Midwest). The Arts Commission’s Chief Executive and Operating Officers serve as ex-officio members on the Grant Panel (the ex-officio members do not score or make funding recommendations). Grant Panelists may prioritize awarding to artists representing a diversity of mediums or those who are first-time grantees.
Please be aware that applying for this grant does not guarantee funding.
Review Timeline
CYCLE 1
Mid-June: Panelists will Score and Comment on applications.
Early July: Panelists will meet for a Zoom Panel Review where they will make funding recommendations based on application scores.
‼️ Mid-July: The recommendations from the panel will be reviewed and approved by The Arts Commission. Applicants can expect to receive an email from The Arts Commission about the funding decisions.
Grant Disbursement
Recipients of Accelerator Grants will receive approved grant funding no later than one month following the receipt of their signed grant agreement.
Questions?
For all inquiries about Accelerator Grants, please contact Liz Bayan (Artist Services & Subgranting Manager) at LBayan@theartscommission.org.
