Arts in Stark
Arts in Stark is a public charity based in Canton, Ohio, that uses the arts to advance community goals in economic development, tourism, well-being, and education. It supports arts organizations, artists, schools, and community initiatives across Stark County through grants and other arts and cultural programs.
Arts in Stark at a glance
In short: Arts in Stark gave $668K across 14 grants in 2025 (avg $48K), mostly in Ohio. 50% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $667,541
- -62.7% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 14
- +55.6% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $47,682
- -76.0% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $27,145
- Total assets
- $27,258,636
- +2.8% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 50% first-time grantees (7 of 14, 2025; small sample)
- Primary geography
- Ohio (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Arts in Stark
- Contact
Mailing address: 1001 Market Ave N, Canton, OH 44702
Phone: (330) 453-1075
Website: https://artsinstark.com
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
3 open opportunities from Arts in Stark
ArtsBuild Grants
Arts in Stark
Amount
Varies by organization (FY25-29 awards ranged from $32,579.10 to $154,626.90 annually, plus utilities/lease)
Deadline
Deadline not published
Cultural Tourism Grants
Arts in Stark
Amount
Up to $20,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Stark Stories: America 250 Grants
Arts in Stark
Amount
Up to $250,000 total program (distributed among multiple recipients)
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Arts in Stark funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Canton Symphony Orchestra ($136K). Together the top 10 received $640K.
Grant Size Distribution
45 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 25 grants of 45 (56%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
ArtsinStark’s stated grantmaking and program focus is Stark County, Ohio. All grant dollars reported for filing year 2025 went to Ohio recipients.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 14 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Arts in Stark open to new grantees?
50%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 7 of 14 grantees (50%) were first-time recipients. With only 14 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 7 points. First grants averaged $24K; repeat grants $71K. How we count
Medians: $8K first-time, $74K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2019–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $490K (2023) to $1.8M (2024). In 2025 it made 14 grants totaling $668K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Canton Symphony Orchestra Canton, OH | Operations and Special Projects | $136,496 |
| The Bluecoats North Canton, OH | Capital and Operations | $126,137 |
| Canton Museum of Art Canton, OH | Operations | $104,280 |
| Massillon Museum Massillon, OH | Operations and Special Projects | $81,004 |
| Canton Ballet Canton, OH | Operations and Special Projects | $74,469 |
| Canton Palace Theatre Canton, OH | Operations | $48,373 |
| Sing Stark Canton, OH | Operations and Special Projects | $43,629 |
| Canton City Schools Canton, OH | SMARTS | $10,660 |
| Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health Canton, OH | Special Projects | $7,500 |
| Downtown Canton Partnership Canton, OH | Special Projects | $7,500 |
Ready to take the next step with Arts in Stark?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Filing type: Form 990 (a public charity).
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $27,258,636 | $2,730,673 | $3,395,926 | $667,541 | 14 | $332,042 |
| 2024 | $26,507,001 | $3,905,934 | $4,484,773 | $1,790,988 | 9 | $282,215 |
| 2023 | $25,456,277 | $3,051,513 | $3,410,392 | $490,488 | 7 | $374,940 |
| 2022 | $24,348,293 | $3,178,002 | $3,494,699 | $492,148 | 7 | $170,924 |
| 2021 | $26,886,137 | $1,886,035 | $3,394,723 | $1,072,160 | 8 | $-6,759 |
| 2020 | $23,927,782 | $2,805,762 | $3,780,503 | $1,089,500 | 9 | $95,268 |
| 2019 | $24,986,689 | $2,329,156 | $3,805,198 | $1,080,500 | 8 | $66,192 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
ArtsinStark’s mission is to use the arts to advance community goals around economic development, tourism, well-being, and education, in order to make Stark County a thriving and vibrant region.
Its grant programs include ArtsImpact project grants for cross-sector collaborations in Arts & Education, Arts & Well-Being, and Arts & Vitality; ArtsBuild unrestricted operating support for an invited group of cultural institutions; and Cultural Tourism grants for marketing and events intended to increase regional visitation. ArtsImpact projects are to take place in Stark County and address community needs through arts partnerships. Cultural Tourism projects must highlight arts and culture.
The organizations supported in 2025 include cultural institutions and performing arts groups. For example, the Canton Symphony Orchestra describes its work as cultural and educational music performances for adults and schoolchildren; Bluecoats says it creates performing arts experiences that inspire and educate young people; and Canton Ballet describes its work as dance instruction and a pre-professional company. ArtsinStark also supported Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health, whose mission is to reduce children’s suffering related to emotional and behavioral problems.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, ArtsinStark reported 14 grants totaling $667,541. Grants ranged from $5,500 to $136,496, with a median of $27,144. All reported grant dollars went to recipients in Ohio.
The largest reported grants included $136,496 to Canton Symphony Orchestra for operations and special projects; $126,137 to the Bluecoats for capital and operations; $104,280 to Canton Museum of Art for operations; $81,004 to Massillon Museum for operations and special projects; and $74,469 to Canton Ballet for operations and special projects. Other recipients included Canton Palace Theatre ($48,373), Sing Stark ($43,629), Canton City Schools ($10,660 for SMARTS), and Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health ($7,500 for special projects).
ArtsImpact FY27 grants are for collaborative projects taking place from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, with awards of $2,500 to $7,500. The FY27 application cycle, which ran from April 1 through May 15, 2026, is past; the grants page says applications are closed. Applicants were required to include a partnership with a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Stark County, and the application materials specify two partners, an arts focus, and a lead applicant with 501(c)(3) status. The website also describes Cultural Tourism grants of up to $20,000 for marketing and event initiatives that promote arts and culture and regional visitation.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Emil Alecusan as chair, Brent Fatzinger as vice chair, and Janet Weir Creighton and Christopher Goff as immediate past chairs. It also lists Tammy Altmayer, Tina Biasella, Lindsay Bowman, Allyson Bussey, Sally Morse Dale, and Max Deuble as directors.
Arts in Stark is led by Maureen Ater, President & CEO on every filing since 2024; 1 of 35 officers listed in 2025 is compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Maureen Ater
President & CEO
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$118K (2025)
Emil Alecusan
Chair
Vice Chair → Vice Chair & Interim CEO, 2024
Vice Chair & Interim CEO → Chair, 2025
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
$17K (2024) → $0 (2025)
Adam Lintz
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Allyson Bussey
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Faye Heston
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lindsay Bowman
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Max Deuble
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mike Hoffman
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Robert R. Timken
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sally Morse Dale
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tammy Altmayer
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kathy Smithberger
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Rod Moore
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tina Biasella
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Anne Graffice
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sara Finan
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Susan Steiner
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Eric Belden
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jason Haupt
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mike Wheeler
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tony Perez
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Abby Schroeder
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Alan Harold
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Alison Matas-Smith
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Annie Yoder
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Chris Auman
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jesse Roper
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lamar Wyse
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Leah Michalos
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sue Grabowski
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Brent Fatzinger
Vice Chair
Treasurer → Vice Chair, 2025
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Christopher Goff
Immeditae Past Chair
Vice Chair → Chair, 2023
Chair → Immeditae Past Chair, 2025
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Janet Weir Creighton
Immeditae Past Chair
Vice Chair → Chair, 2021
Chair → Immeditae Past Chair, 2023
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Geoff Nicely
Treasurer
Director → Treasurer, 2025
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kyle Moore
Secretary
Director → Secretary, 2023
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (59)
- Former: Jamie Mandeville (2019–2024) — Director
- Former: Jolene Colant (2020–2024) — Director
- Former: David Whitehill (2021–2024) — Past President & CEO
- Former: Jim Williams (2021–2024) — Director
- Former: Adrian Allison (2019–2022) — Director
- Former: Brian Zimmerman (2019–2022) — Immediate Past Chair
- Former: Jeff Snyder (2019–2022) — Director
- Former: Ron Ponder (2019–2022) — Director
- Former: Diane Evans (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Nicole Feller (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Perry Bahr (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Sara Swanson (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Saylor Putman (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Barbara Abbott (2021–2022) — Director
- Former: Alan Rodriguez (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Barry Adelman (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Beka Eisenbarth (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Collyn Floyd (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Duncan Darby (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Edmond Mack (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Greg Luntz (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Jim Porter (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Joe Horrigan (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Kristin Hannon (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Lynne Biery (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Mike Jacobsen (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Olivia Mull (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Robert Hankins (2019–2021) — President & CEO
- Former: Robert Roland (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Sherry Groom (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Todd Herberghs (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Vicki Conley (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Amanda Connelly (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Bill Cook (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: John Curran (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Gail Martino (2019–2020) — Ex-Officio
- Former: Heather Pennington (2019–2020) — Ex-Officio
- Former: Jim Patterson (2019–2020) — Ex-Officio
- Former: Miguel Chavez (2019–2020) — Ex-Officio
- Former: Ryan Kuchmaner (2019–2020) — Ex-Officio
- Former: Mark Belgya (2020) — Ex-Officio
- Former: Pam Shaw (2020) — Ex-Officio
- Former: Amanda Sterling (2019) — Director
- Former: Brad Belden (2019) — Director
- Former: Brent May (2019) — Director
- Former: Christy Donnelly (2019) — Ex-Officio
- Former: Denise A. Seachrist PhD (2019) — Director
- Former: Doug Behn (2019) — Director
- Former: Edward Levy (2019) — Director
- Former: Joe Feltes (2019) — Ex-Officio
- Former: Joe Pasquarella (2019) — Director
- Former: Justin Lenox (2019) — Director
- Former: Kerry Gregoire (2019) — Director
- Former: Kevin Pete (2019) — Director
- Former: Kristin Clemmer (2019) — Director
- Former: Marty Chapman (2019) — Director
- Former: Paul Hiltz (2019) — Director
- Former: Robert Murphy (2019) — Director
- Former: Tara Gregory (2019) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $118K, to Maureen Ater (President and CEO).
Frequently asked questions about Arts in Stark
How much does Arts in Stark give each year?
Arts in Stark gave $668K across 14 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $1.8M across 9 grants.
What is Arts in Stark's typical grant size?
Arts in Stark's median grant in 2025 was $27,145, and its average grant was $47,682, across 14 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Arts in Stark that year got $24K on average.
Where does Arts in Stark give grants?
Arts in Stark gives mostly in Ohio: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Canton, OH (10 grants).
Does Arts in Stark give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 14 grants with a stated purpose on Arts in Stark's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Special Projects" (5 grants) and "Operations and Special Projects" (4 grants).
Who are Arts in Stark's largest grantees?
Arts in Stark's largest 2025 grantees include Canton Symphony Orchestra ($136,496), The Bluecoats ($126,137) and Canton Museum of Art ($104,280), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 55% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Arts in Stark?
Arts in Stark reported $27.3M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $2.7M.
What does Arts in Stark fund?
ArtsinStark’s mission is to use the arts to advance community goals around economic development, tourism, well-being, and education, in order to make Stark County a thriving and vibrant region. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Arts in Stark?
Arts in Stark has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check artsinstark.com for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Arts in Stark's EIN?
Arts in Stark's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 34-6609771. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(8)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS February 28, 2020)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS March 16, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS May 10, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 9, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS May 6, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS March 6, 2025)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS February 11, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2019–2025
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Arts in Stark's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Stark Community Foundation
Canton, OH
Stark Community Foundation funds charitable organizations and projects addressing education, arts and culture, economic development, health, hunger, and other community needs, primarily benefiting Stark County, Ohio. Community Responsive Grants typically range from $2,500 to $50,000; applications are accepted on a rolling basis through its online portal.
Assets
$406.0M
Grants
260
Total Given
$14.6M
Stark County Convention & Visitors' Bureau
Canton, OH
Visit Canton funds arts and cultural events, programming, and marketing that attract visitors from outside Stark County and support local tourism. Its 2024 grants ranged from about $5,000 to $166,000, with a median of about $17,000; the 2026 program capped awards at $20,000 per project and organization. It uses a competitive application process; the provided information does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$7.5M
Grants
18
Total Given
$597K
Timken Foundation of Canton
Canton, OH
The Timken Foundation of Canton makes capital grants for charitable and educational projects, including arts, higher education, housing, social services, and community facilities; most 2025 funding went to Ohio, with awards also reaching other states and India. Its 2025 grants ranged from $1,026 to $2.5 million, with a median of $65,000. It accepts submissions without a required form or deadline; contact Robert R. Timken and include proof of 501(c)(3) status.
Assets
$145.2M
Grants
111
Total Given
$19.5M
Diebold Employees Charitable FD Ta
Brooklyn, OH
The foundation supports hunger relief, human services, youth services, and the arts, primarily in Ohio, with some funding in Washington, DC. In 2024, grants ranged from $500 to $4,500, with a median of $1,500. It accepts requests by letter stating the purpose and amount requested; contact Craig Mosier at KeyBank, its trustee.
Assets
$761K
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Total Given
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Ohio Humanities Council
Columbus, OH
Ohio Humanities funds public-facing humanities projects such as lectures, workshops, exhibits, conferences, and teacher development across Ohio. Its 2024 grants ranged from $10,000 to $17,500, with a median of $15,000. It offers competitive grants, but whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$1.6M
Grants
14
Total Given
$213K
Miramar Charitable Foundation
Ft Mitchell, KY
Miramar Charitable Foundation funds preselected charitable organizations across areas including arts, survivor support, education, science, and journalism, with grants to recipients in multiple states; in 2024, the largest shares went to Colorado, North Carolina, California, New York, and Florida. Its 2024 grants ranged from $250 to $1 million, with a median of $2,000. It does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$32.5M
Grants
188
Total Given
$4.5M
More similar funders
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Arts in Stark funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 10, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/arts-in-stark-morg_0c49d7275d944995817c140f4092b931
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_346609771_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Arts in Stark funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/arts-in-stark-morg_0c49d7275d944995817c140f4092b931},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-10. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Arts in Stark's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Arts in Stark down — hundreds of funders to go?