Community Arts Grant

The Community Arts Grant offered by the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County (ACAAC) is a flagship funding program designed to support nonprofit arts organizations delivering programming in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. The ACAAC is a local funding agency that supports artistic expression and historic preservation while promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. It aims to cultivate an arts environment that brings communities together and fosters creativity across diverse populations. The Council leverages public and private funding sources—including tax receipts from hotel taxes and support from the Maryland State Arts Council—to distribute grants across several tiers based on organizational size and experience. The Community Arts Grant provides general operating support and is open to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with a strong arts focus and programming rooted in Anne Arundel County. Eligibility includes demonstrating a year of active operation, a board of directors, financial documentation, and Good Standing with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. Non-arts and historic preservation organizations may apply if their programming has a significant arts component. Notably, K-12 schools and preschools are excluded from eligibility and should refer to ACAAC’s Arts in Education grants. Funding is distributed in two main types: Founding Grants (up to $2,500) for first-time applicants and general operating grants for returning organizations, segmented into three tiers based on income. Tier I supports groups with income under $100,000, Tier II includes those between $100,000 and $750,000, and Tier III covers organizations with over $750,000 in allowable income. Maximum request percentages vary per tier and income level, ranging from 30% for small Tier I applicants to 1% for large Tier III organizations. All awards are subject to a scoring rubric and funding availability, and applicants may not receive full funding. The application period for FY27 is March 15 through April 15, 2026, with notifications sent on or before July 17, 2026. The grant performance period runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. Grantees must submit interim reports by February 28, 2027, and final reports by August 31, 2027. ACAAC also conducts one site visit per recipient during the performance period. The payment structure is split, with 50% disbursed by October 15, 2026, and the balance following approval of the interim report by March 15, 2027. Application materials must be submitted via ACAAC’s Submittable portal. Required documents include IRS determination letters, board rosters, tax filings, financial reports (audited/reviewed or budget vs actual), and a certificate of Good Standing. The application includes narrative questions about mission, programming, accessibility, financial strategy, outreach, partnerships, and metrics for impact. A scoring rubric tailored to organizational tier evaluates capacity, programming relevance, community impact, and financial stewardship. Inquiries regarding eligibility, application support, or reporting should be directed to Ashley Matthews, ACAAC Grants Manager, at [email protected] or 410-222-8079. Organizations are encouraged to contact the Grants Manager before applying, especially first-time applicants. The program recurs annually, and ACAAC emphasizes transparency, accessibility, and community engagement throughout the funding process.

Contact Grants Manager before applying if new; review scoring rubric by tier; provide specific and supported responses