The Chequamegon Bay Arts Council (CBAC) is a non-profit member organization that supports, develops, and promotes art and artists in northern Wisconsin. As such, CBAC annually awards grants to artists and non-profit organizations in Bayfield and Ashland counties in order to deepen and expand the success of the arts in the Bay, foster artistic growth, initiate quality artistic endeavors, and create additional arts opportunities throughout the area.

Arts Initiative Grants fund project based activities such as public exhibitions, performances, publications, touring productions, commissioned art and educational activities. Artistic disciplines include dance, theater, music, folk arts, literary arts, video, film and visual arts.

Grant Amounts and Eligibility

How much can I apply for?

• An Arts Initiative Grant request can range from $250 to $3,000. Total available funding is $17,000.

Who can apply?

• An applicant may be an individual or organization residing in Ashland or Bayfield County.

• An applicant may be an artist whose proposed project primarily serves or is related to the residents of Ashland or Bayfield County.

• All projects must include a public component that is open to the public and will draw visibility to the artists’ work. Closed or private art functions cannot be funded.

• Applicants that have received funding in any previous year and did not file final reports are not eligible.

• Applicants that have received funding in 2024 and 2025 are not eligible to apply until 2027.

Evaluation Criteria

How are applications evaluated?  Applications will be evaluated in four areas by a four-person independent panel using a point system totaling a possible 100 points in the following categories:

• Artistic merit (0-30 points):

  • The proposal should have clear, reasonable, and achievable goals and outcomes.

  • The project must exhibit a high level of artistic quality.

  • The budget must be able to support the activities described in the narrative.

• Artistic Development (0-20 points):

  • The project should demonstrate artistic development for the artist or other project beneficiary, such as a student or audience member.

  • If your application is similar to a previously funded grant, you should show how this year’s proposal moves in a new direction, shows innovation, adds a new element, or reaches a new audience in order to score more highly in this category.

• Community Benefit (0-30 points):

  • Projects that reach a broad audience or have significant impact on a more specified audience will score higher than projects with a limited understanding of their audience.

  • Projects need to include clear plans for promoting their projects and involving community participation.

• Ability to Succeed (0-20 points):

  • Include supporting documents like: resumes of artists; work samples; letters of support from project partners.

  • Examples of prior success, etc. can support your intentions and the likelihood of success.

  • Schedules should be clear and appropriate to the project.

Process/Schedule

When do I apply?

• Applications are available beginning December 1, 2025 at cbayarts.org .

• First time grant applicants are required to contact the Grant Coordinator for an initial discussion regarding their project. Contact Kathy Broadwell at kathleenbroadwell@gmail.com at 605-670-0200 or Ed Vocke at vocke4wi@gmail.com or 715-890-0077.

How do I apply?

• Fill out and submit the application below.

• Applications must be submitted by January 31, 2026. Late applications will not be considered.

What is the review process?

• All applications will be screened by a four-person independent

• Arts Initiative applications will be reviewed during a public meeting. Applicants will be informed of the time and place of the meeting.  Attendance at the meeting can be beneficial but is not required.

• The results of the panel review will be forwarded to the CBAC Board of Directors for their consideration and approval at their monthly meeting on February 9, 2026.

• Award letters and contracts will be mailed by February 28, 2026.

• All funded projects are required to submit final reports on their projects. Reports are due within 30 days after the project is completed.

What if I need help?

• Grant writing assistance is available by contacting CBAC Grant Coordinator, Kathy Broadwell at kathleenbroadwell@gmail.com or 605-670-0200.

Project Budget Requirements

Are there any special budget requirements? Yes.  Grant amount cannot exceed $3,000 or half the total project costs. Applications must consider the following:

• Match: Applicants are required to match requested funds dollar for dollar. At least half of the matching funds must be cash; the other half may be cash or “in kind” (donated time or materials).

• In-kind (donated) services and materials:

  • The market value of donated space rental, art supplies, tools, printing costs, etc. can be used as an in-kind contribution and must be included in the Total Budget for the project.  

• Volunteers that are using their professional skill (artist, graphic designers, writers, accountants, carpenters, etc.) to contribute to the outcome of a project can use their time as an in-kind contribution. Check the Independent Sector (www.independentsector.org) for the most recent value of volunteer time for the state of Wisconsin.

• Matching Funds From Other Sources

  • When additional project funds are coming from other sources, applicants must demonstrate the ability to acquire all funds needed to complete the project in a timely manner. Letters or other documentation of outside support are encouraged.

  • No other Wisconsin Arts Board funds may be applied toward the project. This includes Wisconsin Arts Board funds distributed by other regional organizations such as the LaPointe Center.

• Paying Artists: Grant funds may be used to pay an artist, in fact CBAC and the Wisconsin Arts Board value paying artists, it’s their profession! In the budget section, detail the value of the artist’s work as an hourly wage multiplied by an estimate of the number of hours required for the project.

• No funds may be used to reimburse any costs incurred prior to the grant award, and a project may not have a start date that is before the grant award.

• Ineligible expenses:

  • General operating funds

  • Purchase or construction or repair of permanent equipment

  • Fundraisers

  • Competitions

  • Deficits incurred from past activities

  • Prizes

  • Conference fees

  • Tuition

  • Rental fees for property owned by applicant

  • Activities not open to the general public (activities in public schools are considered to be public) CBAC cannot fund activities that are “inherently religious” such as religious worship, instruction, and proselytization. Religious organizations or groups with a religious affiliation are eligible to apply for funding for a project or program that is available to the general public and as a benefit to public, not the religious organization.

Please Note:  Grants awarded to individuals are considered taxable income.  Individuals are encouraged to work with a 501(c) (3) organization to act as a fiscal receiver on their behalf.