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

April 2026 | March 2027

Up to $2,000 per award; one award per applicant per fiscal year; funds provided in a single payment.

Supports Maryland artists and arts organizations in pursuing professional development opportunities to enhance skills and impact in the arts sector.

This is a forecasted grant; all deadlines are projected and subject to change.

--- ## Description The Professional Development Opportunity Grant program provides support for Maryland artists and arts organizations to engage in meaningful professional development activities that foster growth, learning, and discovery. The grant is designed to help recipients access training, workshops, conferences, consulting, or other skill-building experiences that will enhance their professional capabilities and impact within the arts community. Applicants may propose opportunities such as classes, workshops, seminars, artist retreats, or hiring consultants for targeted learning. --- ## Due Dates - April 2026 (anticipated/projected) - March 2027 (anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: **$2,000** - One grant per applicant (individual or organization) per fiscal year (July 1 – June 30) - 100% of the requested amount is funded if approved; no partial awards - Funds are provided in a single payment, typically 6–8 weeks after grant agreement execution --- ## Eligibility **Eligible applicants include:** - Independent artists (individuals or collaborative groups) who are Maryland residents (at least six months prior to application and throughout the project), age 18+, not enrolled in high school or a degree program, and with a practice accessible to the public. - Maryland-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organizations or arts programs (in operation for at least one full fiscal year). - Units of government, Maryland colleges/universities, or Maryland schools (pre-K–12). - Organizations applying through a Maryland-based fiscal sponsor (Model A sponsorship). - Only one application per applicant (individual, group, or organization) per fiscal year. - The proposed professional development opportunity must not have been funded by MSAC previously. - For collaborative groups, at least 50% of members must be Maryland residents. - Opportunity must have a public, established practice of serving artists/arts organizations (for at least one year) or be approved by MSAC Program Directors. **Ineligible activities include:** - Events focused on sales/promotion (e.g., vendor fairs) - Activities where the applicant is the instructor/leader - Classes part of a degree program - Opportunities focused on classroom teaching rather than artistic practice - Completion of specific projects (as opposed to learning opportunities) - Re-granting, political/lobbying activities, capital improvements, or expenses already completed or funded by another MSAC grant --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted via MSAC's SmartSimple online portal. - The application includes narrative prompts about the opportunity, timeline, rationale, and budget. - Applications are accepted on a rolling basis during the open window (anticipated: September–March), reviewed monthly by statewide panelists. - Applicants are notified of decisions after each monthly review cycle. - If awarded, recipients must sign a Grant Agreement Form in SmartSimple to initiate payment. - Payment is typically received 6–8 weeks after agreement execution. - Only one award per applicant per fiscal year. - All grantees must submit a final report via SmartSimple by the designated deadline (either August 15 or December 31, depending on submission date). --- ## Additional Information - Applicants may request feedback on denied or approved applications to improve future submissions. - Travel outside Maryland is eligible if directly related to professional development (not for presenting/producing art). - Project must be planned for the grant period; retroactive funding is not allowed. - MSAC provides technical assistance and draft review (allow several weeks for feedback). - Accessibility and language support are available upon request. --- ## External Links - [Program Page: Professional Development Opportunity Grant](https://www.msac.org/programs/professional-development/professional-development-opportunity-grant) - [General Professional Development at MSAC](https://www.msac.org/programs/professional-development) - [FY26 Guidelines (PDF)](https://msac.org/sites/default/files/2025-08/FY26%20PD%20Opportunity%20Grant%20Guidelines.pdf) - [How to Apply: FY26 YouTube Webinar](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8qp_yQN9-U) - [SmartSimple Grant Portal](https://marylandarts.smartsimple.com) - [Payment Process Information](https://msac.org/resources/payment-processes) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role/Area | Email | Phone | |---------------------------|----------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|---------------| | Emily Sollenberger Dobbins| Program Director, Arts Services (Visual/Media, Multi-Discipline, Folk/Traditional Arts) | [emily.sollenberger@maryland.gov](mailto:emily.sollenberger@maryland.gov) | (443) 326-5637| | Laura Weiss | Program Director, Arts Services (Theatre, Music, Dance, Literary Arts) | [laura.weiss@maryland.gov](mailto:laura.weiss@maryland.gov) | (443) 326-5564| | Catherine Teixeira | Grants Director (logistics/tech) | [catherine.teixeira@maryland.gov](mailto:catherine.teixeira@maryland.gov) | (443) 799-7256| | Tammy Oppel | Grants Management Associate | [tammy.oppel@maryland.gov](mailto:tammy.oppel@maryland.gov) | (443) 326-5555| | Kirk Amaral Snow | Grants Management Associate | [kirk.amaralsnow@maryland.gov](mailto:kirk.amaralsnow@maryland.gov) | (410) 767-8865| | General Inquiries | | [msac.commerce@maryland.gov](mailto:msac.commerce@maryland.gov) | (410) 767-6555| ---

Professional Development Opportunity Grant

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