Project Grants

New in 2025!

Overview

The Project Grant is a competitive program offering financial support to artists to create or complete original works of art that show artistic growth and creative experimentation. The Project Grant is open to artists across all mediums. Emerging, mid-career, and established artists are encouraged to apply.

Eligibility and Areas of Support

Eligible categories of support related to the creation and completion of a creative project include: materials & supplies, equipment, and project support. Artists may request funding at the $2,000, $2,500, or $3,000 level. Requested grant amounts should not exceed $3,000.

Individual artists and members of artist collectives with a current residence or creative studio within 30 miles of downtown Toledo may be eligible.

Important Dates

Applications Open: Monday, May 19
Applications Close: Sunday, June 8 at 11:59pm

Review Process

Applications will be reviewed by a Grant Panel composed of an Arts Commission board member and representatives from the performing, literary, and visual arts communities, along with The Arts Commission’s Chief Executive and Operating Officers serving as ex-officio members.

Mid June: Panelists will Score and Comment on applications.
Week of June 23: Panelists will meet for a Zoom Panel to review funding recommendations.

Mid July: Artists can expect to receive an email notification.

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, please contact Liz at LBayan@theartscommission.org

Financial support for local artists.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is this different from an Accelerator Grant or Merit Award?

The Project Grant is meant to support artists by helping move an idea/project/or body of work past the finish line and support an artists’ growth, experimentation, and ultimately their creative career. While the Accelerator Grant offers quick turnaround for immediate and broad needs of artists, the Project Grant is tied to the creation AND completion of a specific work of art. Applicants must have a good idea of how and when their work will be completed and be able to submit documentation of their finished work within the granting period. 

-Artists who have already received an Accelerator Grant(s) should feel comfortable applying for this opportunity.  

-Artists with an interest in growing their grantwriting skills or building their portfolios up to prepare for larger dollar grant requests or a Merit Award are encouraged to apply for a Project Grant.

-While hobbyists and emerging artists are welcome to apply, competitive applicants will have a prior body of work and should be prepared to submit work samples of their original works of art.

How do I know if this is right for me?

Artists submitting competitive applications will be able to articulate their goals for a specific project’s public presentation and will have a clear and achievable timeline for project completion. If awarded, all funds MUST be expended and creative projects MUST be completed by April 1, 2026.

Why a Project Grant?

Through artist surveys, listening sessions, and conversations with applicants, we saw a need for a broader range of funding opportunities that supported more artists at a higher dollar amount. Artists were requesting support for specific projects and they wanted to dream big, so the Project Grant was created!

Are framing costs eligible expenses?

Yes! Artists with upcoming exhibitions may request framing support totaling no more than 50% of the request.

Can I include paying other artists in my proposed budget?

Yes! You may pay other artists to help you with your project such as illustrators, musicians, copywriters, copy editors, fabricators, etc.

I am compiling or producing other artists' work. Can I apply?

Producers, commercial artists, creative directors, art organizers, or those providing logistical support to other artists are not eligible for this opportunity. However, applicants may include paying producers under the Project Support category. 

I received another grant through TAC. Can I apply for a Project Grant?

Artists are limited to one Project Grant every three calendar years, i.e. artists who received funding in 2025 will not be eligible to apply again until 2028.

-Artists who receive a Project Grant in 2025 must wait until 2028 to apply for an Accelerator Grant. 

-Artists who received an Accelerator in 2024 are eligible to apply for a 2025 Project Grant. 

-2024 Merit Grant recipients must wait until 2026 to apply for a Project Grant.

My project will not be completed within the granting period described in the guidelines. Can I apply?

Awardees must spend funds within 9 months of receiving their award, and they must be able to submit a final report within 10 months of receiving their award. If your funding cannot be spent or reported on within that time frame, please consider applying to a future round.

How detailed should I make my budget?

Research the actual prices of items or services included in your budget. Panelists like to see detailed and itemized lists that address why support is needed and how it supports your creative practice or experimentation. Double-check the guidelines to make sure you are not requesting funds for ineligible expenses like travel, lodging, or rent. Requests MUST be directly related to your practice.

At least 50% of your request should be directly related to art-making.