The Cleveland Foundation’s Equity in the Arts Fund (EITAF) earlier this month announced that 15 organizations that have been awarded $269,000 in funding as part of the latest round of grants.

Previously known as Minority Arts and Education Fund, the EITAF works to strengthen and build the capacity of area arts and culture organizations that promote the arts and cultures of communities of color and to provide meaningful creative opportunities for artists of color.

“EITAF uplifts organizations that were historically under-supported by funders—and these predominantly are organizations led by people of color,” Boris Oicherman, Cleveland Foundation program director for arts & culture, said in a statement. “It amplifies the diversity of Cleveland cultures and richness of creative practices, which include a Spanish-language theater serving Latin/x communities, organizations addressing behavioral health challenges through arts, a community-led urban revitalization initiative, and an artist-led museum, among others.”

The spring 2023 recipients are:

• 10K Movement ($20,000)
• American Asian Pacific Islander Organization ($5,000)
• Art of Me Productions ($20,000)
• Broadway School of Music & The Arts ($14,000)
• Cuyahoga Community College Creative Arts Academy with Kerry Davis ($20,000)
• Foluke Cultural Arts Center, Inc. ($20,000)
• Kings & Queens of Art ($20,000)
• LatinUs Theater Company, Inc. ($20,000)
• Life Exchange Center ($15,000)
• Loiter ($20,000)
• Martha and Tonya Johnson Legacy Project ($20,000)
• Mojuba! Dance Collective ($20,000)
• Museum of Creative Human Art ($20,000)
• Neighborhood Connections ($20,000)
• Rhythmic Art Studio, Inc. ($15,000)

EITAF is an endowed fund with assets of more than $4.3 million that provides grantmaking in the local community from investment income. Including the most recent round of recipients, the fund has now granted out nearly $9.6 million since its inception in 1994. In 2021, the Fund’s name was officially changed from the Minority Arts and Education Fund to the Equity in the Arts Fund.

EITAF will accept the next round of applications for capacity-building grants this fall. Awards will range from $5,000 to $20,000 for nonprofit cultural organizations that are led by and serve communities of color.

Organization leaders are invited to reach out to Boris Oicherman, the director of arts and culture programs, with any questions.