ArtsBuild Grants

Program Type: Unrestricted operating support for cultural institutions

Geographic Scope: Stark County, Ohio

ArtsBuild grants provide vital unrestricted operating support to strengthen arts organizations across Stark County. These grants were redesigned in FY2025 to open the application process to new applicants, increase transparency, balance stable funding with a competitive process, and support programming aligned with ArtsinStark's strategic focus areas.

Funding Cycle

• Five-Year Commitment: Organizations receiving ArtsBuild funding receive five years of support (FY25-29 cohort currently funded)
• Open Application: Next open application cycle expected every five years
• Interim Renewals: Renewals occur in years between major reviews
• Next Full Review: 2030 (peer panel review)

Strategic Alignment

Organizations must support programming aligned with ArtsinStark's strategic priorities:

• Arts & Education
• Arts & Well-Being
• Arts & Vitality

Current FY25-29 ArtsBuild Grantees

1. Bluecoats (with EN-RICH-MENT): $76,137.46 annually + lease support
2. Canton Ballet: $66,968.66 annually + utilities and lease
3. Canton Museum of Art: $104,279.68 annually + utilities and lease
4. Canton Palace Theatre: $48,373.09 annually
5. Canton Symphony Orchestra: $133,497.53 annually
6. Massillon Museum: $73,503.73 annually
7. Sing Stark!: $39,628.86 annually + utilities and lease

Total FY26 ArtsBuild Funding: $542,389

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicant Type: Not-for-profit cultural institutions
• Geographic Focus: Serving residents and visitors in Stark County
• Programming: Arts and culture organizations with programs aligned with strategic priorities
• Scope: Only invited organizations from the current cohort during renewal years; new applications considered during open cycles

Award Structure

• Operating Support: General, unrestricted funding for organizational operations
• Facility Support: May include utilities and lease assistance for organizations with dedicated facilities
• Multi-Year Commitment: Five-year funding cycles provide stability and predictability

Contact Information

• Email: grants@artsinstark.com
• Address: 1001 Market Ave. N, Canton, Ohio 44702
• Phone: For general inquiries

History and Context

The ArtsBuild program resulted from ArtsinStark's 2022 strategic assessment conducted with Webb Management to identify best practices from arts and culture grants nationwide and to strengthen local grant programs based on stakeholder input.

ArtsBuild Application and Renewal Process

Current Status: FY25-29 cohort in multi-year funding cycle

Current Activities (FY26):

• ArtsBuild grantees will file a combination FY25 report and FY26 renewal in June 2025

Application Timeline for Next Cycle:

• Next open application cycle: Approximately 2030
• Between open cycles: Renewals only for current cohort organizations
• Full peer panel review: Every five years

How to Apply (When Open)

During Open Application Cycle (Next Expected: 2030):

1. Monitor artsinstark.com/grants for announcement
2. Review application guidelines and eligibility requirements
3. Prepare proposal demonstrating alignment with strategic priorities
4. Submit online application with required materials

Required Materials (Based on Current Program Structure)

• Organizational background and mission
• Evidence of 501(c)3 non-profit status
• Programming aligned with Arts & Education, Arts & Well-Being, and/or Arts & Vitality
• Budget documentation
• Organizational financial statements
• Demonstration of community impact
• Proof of principal office location in Stark County

Reporting Requirements

For Current Grantees:

• FY25 Final Report + FY26 Renewal: Due June 2025
• Annual Renewal: Required for continued funding in subsequent years of five-year cycle
• Final Report: Due at end of each fiscal year

Reporting Process:

• Download reporting form from grants page
• Submit through designated portal
• Instructions and resources available on ArtsinStark website

Contact Information

• Email: grants@artsinstark.com
• Address: 1001 Market Ave. N, Canton, Ohio 44702