The Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC) is offering the 2025 Project Support: Events, Festivals, Series Grant to provide financial assistance to nonprofit organizations planning arts-centered public events. This competitive, scored grant supports performances, exhibitions, community events, locally-produced film presentations, and other public-facing artistic endeavors within Franklin County, Ohio. The application period opens April 4, 2025, and closes May 5, 2025, at 5:00 PM, with notifications to applicants expected by June 30, 2025.

Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with a primary mission of arts and culture. Organizations with a different primary mission but that operate a robust arts program may be considered for eligibility with prior approval from GCAC. Applicants may not apply for both the Project Support and Cultural Festival Funding programs in the same calendar year. Additionally, organizations already receiving General or Operating Support from GCAC are ineligible. The supported projects must include significant involvement from professional artists, be open to and promoted for public access, and be hosted within Franklin County.

The grant supports up to $30,000, although most awards fall between $3,000 and $10,000. Projects will not be fully funded by GCAC, and organizations are expected to seek additional funding. Projects must demonstrate artist compensation, a public-facing implementation plan, and a focus on community accessibility. Virtual-only events are capped at $5,000. Ineligible projects include fundraisers, competitions, art creation without a public presentation, public art installations, educational or youth programs, and projects serving only a single artist.

The application includes detailed sections focused on community engagement, inclusion, innovation, artist involvement, and budgeting. Applicants must describe their project, target audience, marketing plans, and inclusion/diversity efforts. They must provide demographic information for board and staff and upload supplemental materials such as profit & loss statements, board/staff lists, and proof of nonprofit status. First-time applicants are required to submit additional documentation.

Applications are reviewed by a national jury panel of nonprofit leaders and arts professionals, with final decisions made by the GCAC Board of Trustees. Awardees will receive a scoring summary and reviewer feedback. Grantees are required to submit a final report within 30 days of project completion. For questions or eligibility clarification, applicants can contact Khaila Carr at kcarr@gcac.org.