We promote a vibrant, diverse and thriving arts community in Cleveland that enhances learning, strengthens pride of place, creates an emotional connection to our environment and deepens the impact of opportunities for those who might otherwise be denied them.

We seek to balance support among Cleveland’s legacy institutions and smaller emerging organizations that reflect the full breadth of our culture and neighborhoods. We promote equity by helping to fortify organizations led by and serving people of color who have been historically underrepresented. We support the Cleveland Metropolitan School District’s plan to help students realize their full creative and intellectual potential through rich artistic experiences. And we encourage integrating the creative thought, energy and inspiration that art can spark into the civic dialogue and sense of community that are needed to make progress on the complex issues that confront us.

The Gund Foundation makes grants to arts organizations located in or that make a direct impact in the City of Cleveland.

The Foundation has particular interest in:

• Investing in the operational vitality of arts organizations
• Encouraging the local art community to engage with civic work at the governmental level to foster a deeper understanding of issues that face Cleveland residents
• Strengthening arts administrator professional and leadership skills
• Advocacy for policy work that promotes a vibrant arts ecosystem
• Supporting local arts organizations that partner with schools in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District on impactful art education programs

Successful grant applicants will make a connection between their work and one or more issue areas in the Foundation’s What We Believe statement.

The Creative Culture and Arts program area does not currently prioritize the following areas:

• Individual artists
• Art acquisitions
• Art exhibitions
• Theater or film productions
• Organizations not working in the City of Cleveland
• Art education initiatives that do not primarily serve the Cleveland Metropolitan School District