County Arts Development Grant

County Arts Development Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Maryland State Arts Council
Last Updated: December 18, 2025

Summary

The County Arts Development Grant supports Maryland's county arts agencies through a structured funding formula, ensuring equitable distribution of resources to foster local arts activities. With two application cycles, agencies can apply for funding every three years, promoting community engagement and support for diverse artistic initiatives. The program emphasizes transparency and accessibility, allowing funds to be used for re-granting, programming, and administrative costs, ultimately benefiting county residents and artists alike.

Overview

Note: There are 2 cycles for this grant.  December 31, 2025  represents deadline for for Off Year applicants while January 31, 2026 is the deadline for On Year applicants. County Arts Development (CAD) Grants County Arts Development (CAD) grants support Maryland's county arts agencies, extending the service of MSAC. CAD grants support county arts agencies, with the goals of providing: A vital connection with artists, arts organizations, and audiences throughout the State; Encouragement of local arts activity of all disciplines in all of Maryland’s diverse communities; Equitable funding for the arts on the local level through transparent processes that are accessible to all county constituents. County arts agencies must submit an “On Year” application every three years, and “Off Year” applications the two years in between. Applications are submitted annually by all county arts agencies, but the “Off Year” is a simplied application Upon execution of grant agreement, payment will be processed for receipt in 6-8 weeks. Grantees are required to submit a final report at the completion of the funded project. Funding County Arts Development Grants are based on a funding formula. The funding formula includes two components: A block grant that divides 90% of the allocated budget among the counties equally.And a population grant that divides the remaining 10% of the allocated budget among the counties based on the percentage of the state’s population. County Arts Development Grants are available annually. Use of Funds Allowable use of CAD grant funds include the following types of expenses: Re-granting to local organizations, artists, and schools to support arts programming or projects that benet county residents.Arts programming that serves county residents.Services to artists and arts organizations working within the county.Administrative and operating expenses of the county arts council (a maximum of 60% of annual grant funds may be used for administration and operating expenses).

Eligibility

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