Grants for Creatives
The Salt Lick Incubator is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting emerging musicians in building sustainable careers.
We offer artist project grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 to artists working in songful, contemporary genres. These grants can be used for projects such as producing a song or album, creating a music video, developing social media assets, pressing vinyl, touring, or enhancing branding and marketing strategies.
In addition to funding, grant recipients receive mentorship and guidance from industry professionals, along with a personalized plan tailored to ensure their activities are both strategic and successful.
Winter 2026
Opens: January 2, 2026 | Closes: February 15, 2026
Assembly for the Arts is a nonprofit with a focus on advocacy, cultural policy, racial equity initiatives, research, marketing that elevates the region, and services for nonprofits, artists, and creative businesses.
The Boost Fund program provides a Boost of funding to help Cuyahoga County artists bring their projects and events to life and to help offset the costs of artist-specific needs. The Boost Fund will be offered in 2025 through 3 cycles, funding a total of 140 Cuyahoga County artists with $1,500 each. Between 40-50 artist recipients will be selected in each cycle. Funds may be used for a wide range of artist-related expenses.
2026 Dates To Be Announced
Assembly for the Arts is a nonprofit with a focus on advocacy, cultural policy, racial equity initiatives, research, marketing that elevates the region, and services for nonprofits, artists, and creative businesses.
The Creative Impact Fund is designed to support the growth of an artist’s creative practice and advance their impact on our region. In 2025, the CIF awarded thirty (30) forward-thinking artists and creatives, in 2025 including 15 Early Career artists at $5,000 each and 15 Mid-Late Career artists at $10,000 each. The CIF is open to artists living in Cuyahoga County who have been creating impactful and inventive artistic work in the disciplines of craft, dance, design, film, interdisciplinary work, media, music, theatre & performance, traditional arts, visual art, and writing/literary art.
2026 Dates To Be Announced
Cleveland Arts Prize: Verge Fellowships
Verge Fellowships are awarded annually an unrestricted stipend of $2,000. In addition to the awards, Verge fellows will have the opportunity to participate in a group and individual photoshoot, a recognition reception, and promotional media opportunities.
Closed for 2026
Helping families working in the music industry thrive through community, education & financial support.
In 2025, they offered their first grant to support music industry professionals navigating the challenges of family life. Who is eligible? Music industry professionals facing financial hardship due to family-related circumstances are encouraged to apply. This includes individuals working in any area of the music industry, such as musicians, songwriters, tour managers, sound engineers, label employees and more.
Grant Categories: The $25,000 grant will be awarded to an individual in one of the following categories:
- Fertility Assistance
- Needs-Based Grants
- Family Caregiving Assistance
- Small Business Benefits