[Maryland State Arts Council](https://www.msac.org)

September 15, 2026 (Intent to Apply) | November 15, 2026 (Full Application)

Awards up to $1.2 million per organization for FY26; maximum grant varies by organization size and tier.

General operating support for Maryland-based nonprofits and government units producing ongoing public arts programming.

New applicants must submit an Intent to Apply form before the full application; annual deadlines apply.

--- ## Description This funding opportunity provides general operating support to nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations, as well as units of government, that produce or present ongoing arts programming open to the public in Maryland. The program is designed to strengthen and sustain the state’s arts infrastructure, build future audiences, uplift communities, and stimulate economic impact. An equitable funding formula ensures fair distribution among organizations of varying sizes. --- ## Due Dates - September 15, 2026: Intent to Apply form deadline for new applicants - November 15, 2026: Full application deadline for eligible applicants These deadlines recur annually. --- ## Funding Amount - For FY26, the maximum grant award is $1.2 million per organization. - Actual award amounts are determined by a tiered formula based on organizational budget size: - Tier 1 ($50K–$500K): up to 15% of allowable expenses - Tier 2 ($500K–$1.5M): up to 10% - Tier 3 ($1.5M–$5M): up to 6% - Tier 4 ($5M–$10M): up to 4.5% - Tier 5 ($10M+): up to 4% - The cap and percentage allocations are being phased in over five years (FY24–FY28). --- ## Eligibility - Open to Maryland-based nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations and units of government that produce or present ongoing arts programming open to the public. - Organizations must have a significant physical presence in Maryland. - New applicants must complete an Intent to Apply form to determine eligibility before submitting a full application. - Applicants must have or obtain a Unique Entity ID (UEI) from SAM.gov. - Organizations must not currently be receiving general operating support through other MSAC programs (such as County Arts Development or Arts & Entertainment District). --- ## Application Process 1. **Intent to Apply**: New applicants must submit an Intent to Apply form by September 15, 2026. 2. **Eligibility Review**: MSAC reviews eligibility; eligible organizations are invited to submit a full application. 3. **Full Application**: Due by November 15, 2026, via the MSAC SmartSimple online grants management system. 4. **Review**: Applications are evaluated by a diverse panel of experts based on published criteria. 5. **Notification and Disbursement**: Award notifications follow panel review. Disbursement typically occurs within 6–8 weeks of grant agreement execution. --- ## Additional Information - All applicants must provide a Unique Entity ID (UEI) from SAM.gov. - A five-year transition to the new funding formula is underway, potentially affecting annual award caps and percentages. - Awarded organizations must submit a final report as part of grant compliance. - Application assistance and feedback are available from MSAC program staff. --- ## External Links - [Program Overview & Guidelines](https://www.msac.org/programs/grants-organizations) - [New Applicant Information](https://www.msac.org/programs/grants-organizations/new-gfo-applicants) - [Current Grantee Information](https://www.msac.org/programs/grants-organizations/current-gfo-grantees) - [Quick Start Guide: Getting a Unique Entity ID (PDF)](https://www.msac.org/media/570/download?inline) - [MSAC Contact Page](https://www.msac.org/contact) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role/Area | Email | Phone | |-------------------------------|------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|---------------| | Laura Weiss | Program Director, Arts Services (Dance, Literary Arts, Music, Public Art, Theatre) | laura.weiss@maryland.gov | 443-326-5564 | | Emily Sollenberger Dobbins | Program Director, Arts Services (Multi-Discipline, Folk/Traditional Arts, Visual/Media Arts) | emily.sollenberger@maryland.gov | 443-326-5637 | | MSAC General Contact | | msac.commerce@maryland.gov | 410-767-6555 | ---

Grants for Organizations

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