The Arts Council of Anne Arundel County invests in the local arts community through grantmaking.
The Community Arts Grant is our capstone program and provides general operating funds to the county’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organizations. Twice a year, we offer Mini Grants to a broader range of organizations, with the goal of supporting high-impact projects that reach new audiences or fill a gap within the community. Our Arts in Education program funds school performances and artistic residencies. Annual Strategic Grants build organizational capacity and stimulate innovation. Additional targeted grant programs are added throughout the year, as funding becomes available.
ACAAC recently reviewed and revised its grant programs to ensure that marketing, application and review processes, and funds awarded reflect our organizational principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Targeted outreach efforts are helping to engage every member of our arts community, and simplified applications, accessible support, and transparent evaluation processes will help to level the playing field.
Be sure to sign up for our email list and check this page often to learn about upcoming grant opportunities.
Grants & Guidelines
Community Arts Grants
Application Period
The application period for the FY27 Community Arts Grant Program is closed.
The application period for the FY28 Community Arts Grant Program will open mid-March 2027. More information will be posted early 2027.
Funding
Tier I – For organizations with an annual operating budget of up to $100,000
Tier II – For organizations with an annual operating budget of between $100,000 – $750,000
Tier III – For organizations with an annual operating budget of more than $750,000
Founding Grants for new applicants up to $2,500 per year
Overview
The FY27 Community Arts Grants program provides general operating support to 501(c)(3) arts organizations that are based in and provide programming in Anne Arundel County for the project period July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027.
Founding Grants are for nonprofits that did not receive Community Arts Grant funding in the previous year.
Mini Grants
THE SPRING 2027 MINI GRANT APPLICATION WILL OPEN OCTOBER 1, 2026 for the project period of January – June 2027! Check back in September for more information.
Application Periods
October 1 – 31 (Spring Mini Grant)
May 1 – 31 (Fall Mini Grant)
Funding
Up to $2,500
Overview
ACAAC’s Mini Grants support nonprofits and community-led arts initiatives that deliver meaningful community impact. Partnerships are highly encouraged, and a 1:1 cash match is required.
Strategic Impact Grants
Grant applications will be accepted between Thursday, May 28, 2026 – Thursday, June 11, 2026.
Overview
This grant opportunity is focused on capacity building. It is designed to fund projects that result in substantive, organizational transformation, taking the organization’s operations or performance to the next level.
Eligibility
- Must be a FY26 Community Arts Grant recipient with the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County that offers at least 50% of the organization’s programming in Anne Arundel County.
- To ensure a wide number of grantees benefit from the Strategic Impact grant, past recipients of the 2023, 2024, & 2025 Strategic Impact Grant awards are not eligible to apply. Exceptions will be considered under time-sensitive and compelling circumstances. To request a waiver or for further questions, contact Ashley Matthews, Grants Manager, at ashley.matthews@acaac.org.
Arts in Education Grants
Application Period
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis from August 15th through March 5th
Funding
Grants available up to $5000. We recommend you plan a 1:1 cash match for your project.
Overview
2025-2026 Arts in Education Guidelines. These grants enable schools and PTO/PTA groups to present quality performances and residencies for students in dance, history, music, theatre, and arts-related or arts-integrated projects. All accredited Pre-K-12 schools in Anne Arundel County, whether public or private, are eligible to apply.