Grants for Organizations
Maryland State Arts Council's Grants for Organizations supports ongoing public arts programming by funding general operations for Maryland-based nonprofits and government arts organizations.
Funder: Maryland State Arts Council
Due Dates: September 15, 2025: Intent to Apply deadline (new applicants) | November 15, 2025: Full application deadline (all applicants) | September 15, 2026: Intent to Apply (annual, new applicants) | November 15, 2026: Full application (annual)
Funding Amounts: Typical awards based on organizational budget; FY27 max grant is $1.1M; most grants range from ~$10,000 to $1.1M per year, with tiered caps by budget size.
Summary: Annual operating support for Maryland-based nonprofits and government units producing or presenting ongoing public arts programming.
Key Information: Intent to Apply required for new applicants; all applications via SmartSimple portal; matching funds required.
Description
The Maryland State Arts Council's Grants for Organizations (GFO) program provides annual general operating support to nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations, as well as government units, that produce or present ongoing arts programming open to the public in Maryland. The program aims to strengthen the state's arts infrastructure, foster future audiences, uplift communities, and advance equitable access to the arts. Funding is awarded through a formula considering organizational income and a tiered cap allocation, with a focus on supporting a diverse range of arts organizations and ensuring broad access across Maryland.
