Artists working on educational or neighborhood initiatives in the
city are among those eligible to apply for grants from the Cleveland
Colectivo. Founded in 2004 by a group of friends who wanted to fund
community projects, the “giving circle” makes small grants — from
$500 to $5,000 — to help fund innovative local projects. Grantees
have included organizers of the neighborhood music event Larchmere
Porchfest, the Ohio City Bike Coop’s bicycle valet service, the
Building Bridges Mural Program (see Visual Art this week) and about two
dozen others. The call for 2010 proposals seeks individuals, start-up
businesses, and community groups working on arts, education, youth
development, community development, social service and environmental
projects. Applications should explain the idea, how it will strengthen
the community and why the project is innovative. Proposals longer than
one page will not be read. If your proposal is selected, they’ll ask
you to submit a full application. Proposals will be accepted January
1-15, but they will only review the first 50 received. Submit your
proposal to info@clevelandcolectivo.org.
This article appears in Dec 9-15, 2009.