MSAC Creativity Grants for General Operating Support

MSAC Creativity Grants for General Operating Support

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Maryland State Arts Council
Amount: Up to US $4,000
Last Updated: July 05, 2025

Summary

The MSAC Creativity Grants for General Operating Support are available on a rolling basis from July 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025. These grants aim to enhance the sustainability of artists and organizations in Maryland, supporting their operational needs and arts programming for an entire fiscal year. This initiative promotes equitable access to artistic resources and fosters community engagement while transitioning to a new General Operating Support option starting FY 2027.

Overview

UPDATE: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis from July 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025* with a monthly review process. *The Creativity Grants for General Operating Support track will permanently close after December 31, 2025 as we transition to a new General Operating Support option for organizations. Starting in FY 2027, all General Operating Support for arts organizations/programs will be available through a revised Grants for Organizations (GFO) program. Please note that this change does not impact the Creativity Grant for Projects grant. Maryland State Arts Council The Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) advances the arts in our state by providing leadership that champions creative expression, diverse programming, equitable access, lifelong learning, and the arts as a celebrated contributor to the quality of life for all the people of Maryland. The Council comprises an appointed body of 17 citizens from across the state, 13 of whom are named by the Governor to three-year terms that may be renewed once. Two private citizens and two legislators are appointed by the President of the Senate and by the Speaker of the House. All councilors serve without salary. To carry out its mission, MSAC awards grants to not-for-profit, tax-exempt organizations for ongoing arts programming and projects. MSAC also awards grants to individual artists and provides technical and advisory assistance to individuals and groups. MSAC reserves the right to prioritize grant awards. Mission and Goals MSAC’s mission is to advance the arts in our state by providing leadership that champions creative expression, diverse programming, equitable access, lifelong learning, and the arts as a celebrated contributor to the quality of life for all the people of Maryland. MSAC’s most recent strategic plan outlines five goals: Increase Participation: Broaden MSAC’s constituency, providing avenues designed to increase pathways to engagement.Provide Intentional Support: Embrace thoughtful and targeted approaches to serving known and yet to be known MSAC constituents.Build Capacity: Work strategically to further build organizational and governance capacity to ensure that MSAC is capable of vigorously delivering on its mission.Leverage Connections: Further enhance current relationships and involve additional collaborators, and constituents who will benefit from and advance the work of MSAC.Bolster Maryland Arts: Showcase the high caliber, diverse and relevant work of Maryland's artists and arts organizations; their contributions to community vitality and MSAC’s role as a catalyst. Creativity Grant Program The purpose of the Creativity Grant Program is to strengthen the vitality and sustainability of artists and small organizations to maintain a strong and stable arts infrastructure in the State of Maryland. The Creativity Grant also provides opportunities to serve the growing needs of relevant arts projects and collaborations within Maryland communities. General Operating Support Creativity Grants General Operating Support Creativity Grants are intended to support overall operations. This option is available to organizations only. The Operating Support application is focused on the organization’s arts activities or programming for an entire season or fiscal year. Deadlines for the Creativity Grant Program are rolling. Applications will be reviewed monthly, and Creativity Grants will be awarded throughout the fiscal year until allocated funding is depleted. Applicants may only be funded once per fiscal year.

Eligibility

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