TLC Rescue Plan Grants to Individuals

Recovery Funds for Artists

The TLC ARPA Individual Artist Grant is a part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 that was made available to Toledo and Lucas County. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, performing arts venues closed, in-person events were canceled, and rising supply prices negatively impacted opportunities for artists to sell their work or secure contract engagements. The Mayor's office, members of City Council, and the Lucas County Commissioners understood the important roles that artists and arts & culture organizations play in the well-being of our community and set aside funds to help artists bounce back from the pandemic.

We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the City of Toledo, the Mayor's Office, and the Lucas County Commissioners for their ongoing support of the arts community as we recover from the impacts of COVID-19.

Due to federal regulations, all grant funds must be fully spent by the end of 2026, meaning this will be the final cycle in which applications can be submitted for this particular opportunity.

The Arts Commission will continue to offer additional artist granting opportunities and professional development support to our creative community. Check out the Artists tab on our website to learn about our other Artist Services. 

Grant Program Overview

Applications for Cycle 5 of the Toledo Lucas County Rescue Plan Grants for Individual Artists will open February 2nd at 2:00 pm and are due before February 22nd at 11:59 pm. We encourage you to submit your application early, as late submissions cannot be accommodated.

The Arts Commission’s Toledo Lucas County Rescue Plan Grant for Individual Artists offers financial support for local artists whose creative practices have been impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Grants will be awarded in the amounts of $1,500, $3,250, and $5,000. The grant amounts are subject to change based on the recommendation of the Grant Panel.

✏️ Please note: All notifications are sent to the email address provided in your application. Be sure to check your spam and junk email folders if you are not receiving communications.

Eligible categories of support are limited to

— Facility Costs

— COVID-related Health + Safety costs

— Project Support for paying other artists

— Materials + Supplies

— Marketing + Promotion costs related to your creative practice

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 (the ex-officio members do not score or recommend funding).

Grants are given at the sole discretion of The Arts Commission. Assuming that an application meets eligibility requirements, the Grant Panel will assess the perceived need, artistic merit, impact on the artist’s career, and dedication to artistic practice.

Review Timeline

Mid-February–Early March: Panelists will Score and Comment on applications.

Mid-March: Panelists will meet for a Zoom Panel Review where they will make funding recommendations based on application scores.

‼️ End of March: 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.

Eligible Applicants

— Individual artists across all mediums with a residence or a creative studio within the city of Toledo or Lucas County.

— Note: Artists who are part of an artist collective must apply individually.

— Artists who received funding in prior cycles of the Toledo Lucas County Rescue Plan Grant to Individuals are all eligible to apply for the fifth cycle.

— Artists can also receive different grants in the same year (i.e. An artist can receive a TLC ARPA Grant, Accelerator Grant, and Merit Award in the same year if they fit the other grants eligibility criteria, applied, and were selected.).

— Artists who demonstrate a sustained commitment to their practice.

— Applicants will be able to demonstrate the negative financial impact of the pandemic on their creative practice in the last 12 months. 

Ineligible Applicants

— Artists currently employed by The Arts Commission or serving as members of The Arts Commission’s Board of Trustees are NOT eligible for Toledo Lucas County Rescue Plan Grant for Individual Artists.

— Applicants who do not have a creative studio or residence located within the City of Toledo or Lucas County are ineligible to apply. 

— Artists who have not fulfilled the reporting requirements associated with funding received through The Arts Commission are currently ineligible until the outstanding reports are submitted and approved. If you are uncertain whether your final report has been submitted, please contact us as soon as possible.

— Nonprofit organizations are ineligible for this opportunity.

Contact Information

For all inquiries about this grant opportunity for individual artists, please contact Liz Bayan at LBayan@theartscommission.org

Financial support for artists in Toledo and Lucas County.