MSAC Grants for Organizations

MSAC Grants for Organizations

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Maryland State Arts Council
Amount: More than US $50,000
Last Updated: August 09, 2025

Summary

The MSAC Grants for Organizations program offers annual operating grants to organizations in Maryland that present or produce arts programs for the public. It aims to enhance the sustainability and vitality of Maryland's cultural landscape. New applicants must submit a Letter of Inquiry, while established organizations can apply for funding in specific artistic categories. The program supports both arts-focused and non-arts organizations that engage in public arts activities.

Overview

NOTE: ThenIntent to apply, represented by Letter of Inquiry is Required for New Applicants.  Applicants are considered “new” if they did not apply for, or did not receive a Fiscal Year 2026 GFO grant award. Please note: If an organization received FY2026 funding through the previous Grants for Organizations program/application process, they are NOT considered New Applicants for FY2027 funding, and do not need to complete the Intent to Apply process. If a new nonprofit has been formed out of an existing GFO-supported organization, and the former nonprofit is no longer being supported through the GFO program, the newly formed organization may not be considered “new” within the GFO program. An Intent to Apply Form may be required of the newly formed nonprofit, along with the completion of an ‘On Year’ full application. The former and new organization should contact the assigned Program Director well in advance of the intent to apply deadline to discuss. Purpose The Grants for Organizations (GFO) program provides annual operating grants to organizations that produce or present the arts to the general public through public programs or services. The purpose of the GFO program is to strengthen the vitality and sustainability of Maryland’s cultural organizations to maintain a strong and stable arts infrastructure in the State of Maryland. Description General Operating Grants (GOG) GOG provides operating support to nonprofit organizations whose purpose is producing or presenting the arts through public programs or services. Applicants must be arts organizations, organizations whose mission/purpose is producing or presenting the arts through public programs or services, such as art museums, orchestras, galleries, theaters, arts centers, etc. Arts Program Grants (PRG) PRG provides arts program support to nonprofit organizations whose primary purpose is other than producing or presenting the arts, but who provide ongoing public arts activities through public programs. The mission of these organizations is not specifically dedicated to the arts but they do have ongoing arts programming. These are considered non-arts organizations for MSAC purposes. Examples include: community centers, churches, non-art museums, libraries, universities, etc. These organizations may apply for an Arts Program Grant for the costs of their ongoing arts activities produced or presented for general audiences through public programs. Units of local government, colleges, and universities are also eligible to apply. Artistic Categories Eligible organizations may apply for a single GFO grant per year in only one of the artistic categories listed below. Organizations should select the artistic category that most closely characterizes the predominant activities of their organization.  GFO grants are awarded in the following artistic categories: Dance Folk and Traditional Arts Literary Arts Multi-Discipline A Multi-Discipline B Music Music C Theater Visual Arts/Media A Visual Arts/Media B Service* *Those organizations that fall in the “Service” category will answer alternative questions noted within the application

Eligibility

We've imported the main document for this grant to give you an overview. You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website.