Arts District: Funding Local Arts Projects

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 [email protected].