APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED
Accelerator Grants
Inspiring a Vibrant Toledo
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 with a quick turnaround for local artists to advance their creative projects and their careers. Eligible categories of support for this program include equipment, supplies, professional development, and project support. Grant amounts are not to exceed $1500.
2025 Accelerator Grant Cycles
Cycle 1 applications open March 31 - April 20 - UNDER REVIEW
Cycle 2 applications will be open July 7 - July 27
Applicants who do not receive funding in Cycle 1 are encouraged to submit an application to Cycle 2.
REVIEW PROCESS - Cycle 1
Applications will be reviewed by a panel composed of an Arts Commission board member, a representative from the performing, literary, and visual arts communities (both from Toledo and the Midwest), along with The Arts Commission’s Chief Executive and Operating Officers serving as ex-officio members.
Early May: Panelists will Score and Comment on applications.
Mid May: Panelists will meet for a Zoom Panel Review where they will make funding recommendations based on application scores.
Early June: Artists can expect to receive an email from The Arts Commission about the funding decisions.
Please be aware that applying for this grant does not guarantee funding. The Grant Panel recommends the funding based on these categories: Approved for funding, Approved for funding with stipulations, Approved for partial funding, Denial with suggestions for resubmission of application, Denial of funding; Deferral for further conversation.
GRANT DISBURSEMENT
Recipients of Accelerator Grants will receive approved grant funding no later than one month following the receipt of their signed grant agreement.
For all inquiries about Accelerator Grants, please contact Liz at LBayan@theartscommission.org
Financial support for local artists.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m not sure what items to include in the budget section.
Research the actual prices of items or services you are requesting funding for. Panelists like to see detailed and itemized lists that address why support is needed and how it is related to your creative practice. Double check the guidelines to make sure you are not requesting funds for ineligible expenses like rent or overhead. Requests MUST be directly related to your practice.
My project will not be completed within the granting period described in the guidelines, I will need more time. Should I still apply?
Awardees must spend funds within 90 days of receiving their award, and they must be able to submit a final report within 120 days of receiving their award. If your funding cannot be spent or reported on within that time frame, it might be best to wait and apply to a future round.
I already purchased what I needed. Can I request to be reimbursed?
No. This is not a reimbursable grant and awarded funds must be spent within the granting period communicated by TAC staff.
I am a business or organization. Am I eligible to apply?
Panelists typically award funds to individual artists or artist collectives, so please keep that in mind before you start an application. You can view all past recipients on the Accelerator Grant webpage to get a peek at past funded requests.
Nonprofit organizations are not eligible for this opportunity at this time.
I do not live within 30 miles of downtown Toledo. Will that be a problem?
All applications are screened for eligibility before panels review requests. If you do not live or have a creative studio within that 30 mile radius, you are not eligible for this opportunity. Check with your local community to see what artist grants might be available to you.
Should I use AI to write my grant application?
Panelists can typically tell if an application is written solely using AI. If you do utilize this tool, be sure you are not fully relying on it to write a grant request. We strongly urge you to use AI to write a first draft, then edit your application to fit your individual voice and ensure that you include details that respond fully to the prompts. Most of the time AI does not do you justice as an artist on its own.
I received an ARPA grant in the past, am I still eligible to apply for an Accelerator Grant?
Yes! Just make sure that your requests for support are different and that you are not double-dipping ie. submitting a request for something TAC has already funded. Funds from Accelerator cannot be used to pay for expenses outlined in your ARPA award.
How is my application scored?
Applications will be reviewed based on:
Dedication to Artistic Practice
Artistic Merit
Impact on Artist’s Career
Public/Community Presence
Can I apply to multiple cycles?
Yes! Artists are encouraged to apply to each cycle until an award is received. After an award is received, you must wait two years before applying again.
2024 Grant Recipients - September
2024 Grant Recipients - August
2024 Grant Recipients - July
2024 Grant Recipients - June
2024 Grant Recipients - May
2023 Grant Recipients - September
2023 Grant Recipients - August
2023 Grant Recipients - July
2023 Grant Recipients - June
2023 Grant Recipients - May
Megan Aherne
Theater
Bryan Bonfiglio
Musician
2022 Grant Recipients - September
2022 Grant Recipients - August
2022 Grant Recipients - July
2022 Grant Recipients - June
Megan Davis
Musician
2022 Grant Recipients - May
2021 Grant Recipients - September
Oradella Wilson
Performance
2021 Grant Recipients - August
2021 Grant Recipients - July
2021 Grant Recipients - June
Kayla Williams
Learn More2021 Grant Recipients - May
Joni Johnson
Learn More
2020 Grant Recipients - September
Dominick Gray
Learn More
Harley King
2020 Grant Recipients - June
Felissa Parker-Green
Learn More
Eric Thomas
Learn More2019 Grant Recipients - May
Matthew Cook
Mercé Culp
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Erin Garber-Pearson
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William Gruber
2019 Grant Recipients - June
Steve Steel
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2019 Grant Recipients - July
El Corazon de Mexico Ballet Folklorico
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Emilio Gonzalez
2019 Grant Recipients - August
Daniel and Joel Trzcinski
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Mariah Hicks
Nate Hicks
Jodie Summers
2019 Grant Recipients - September
Jacob Jones
José Treviño
2018 Grant Recipients - May
Daniel and Joel Trzcinski
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Children's Theatre Workshop
Learn More2018 Grant Recipients - June
Stephen Williams
2018 Grant Recipients - July
Glynis Fuentes
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Michelle Paine
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2018 Grant Recipients - August
William Foraker
2018 Grant Recipients - September
Travis Sanderson
Michael Belazis
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Jennifer Muse
Glass and Sculpture
2017 Grant Recipients - May
Kate Kokonecki, Kelly Thompson and Jon Zenz
Learn More2017 Grant Recipients - June
Corry Fitchpatric
Rachel McCartney
Adam L. Sanzenbacher
Metal
2017 Grant Recipients - July
David Cuatlacuatl
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Adrianne Lee
Lisa Soltis
Boonie Patch Co.
Learn More2017 Grant Recipients - August
2017 Grant Recipients - September
Malcolm Cunningham
Ken Dushane
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Noel Welch
2017 Grant Recipients - October
Anne Dearth
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Albert Leland
Imani Lateef
Learn More2017 Grant Recipients - November
Gail Christofferson
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Ben Cohen
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Emily Rippe Desmond
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Yusuf Lateef
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Mike Stevens
Learn More2017 Grant Recipients - December
Julie Draeger
Learn More
Elsa Furia
James Serda
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2024 Accelerator Grant Info Session
Learn more about Accelerator Grant application guidelines, best practices, and the review process.
Visit this Story
- The Arts Commission
- 1838 Parkwood Ave
- Suite 120
- Toledo, Ohio 43604
- 419-254-ARTS (2787)
Office Hours
- Monday through Friday
- 8:30am - 4:30pm
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access Statement
Inclusion, diversity, equity and access are fundamentally important to our work at The Arts Commission. Our aim is to provide access and opportunity to art and culture for all in our community. It is our committed practice to stand alongside, listen and act based upon community needs. We have a responsibility to advocate for inclusion, diversity, equity and access. The Arts Commission will continue to deepen this practice as we move into the future.
The Arts Commission believes that the arts can provide the space to foster conversations that bring us together. The arts have long stood in the gap as a bridge between cultures. They have served as a place to support healing, as well as a place to develop and exchange compassion. We trust the arts in this role. By embracing our differences and celebrating our similarities we build a more vibrant, just, and inclusive society.
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The Arts Commission strives to provide programming and events in an inclusive manner in accessible spaces and venues. Should you wish to visit or participate and need accommodation, please contact us at 419-254-2787.
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