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.
View the list of current grant offerings on our Submittable page
Grants & Guidelines
Community Arts Grants
Application Period
April 1 - April 30, 2024
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
Annual Community Arts Grants provide general operating support to 501(c)(3) arts organizations that are based in and provide programming in Anne Arundel County.
Founding Grants are for nonprofits that have not previously received Community Arts Grant funding.
Strategic Impact Grants
Application Period
April 24 - May 15, 2024
Funding
From $5,000 – $50,000
Overview
THINK BIG! This grant opportunity is designed to fund projects that result in substantive, organizational transformation, taking the organization’s operations or performance to the next level. A limited number of grants will be awarded.
Mini Grants
Application Period
May 1 – 31 (Fall Mini Grant)
October 1 – 31 (Spring Mini Grant)
Funding
Up to $2,500
Overview
Mini Grants support arts programming by nonprofits or community organizations that will benefit an underserved audience or fill a community need. Partnerships are highly encouraged, and a 1:1 cash match is required.
Arts in Education Grants
Application Period
Applications were accepted on a rolling basis from August 15, 2023, through March 5, 2024
Funding
There is no preset range, but please note that ACAAC is unable to fully fund most programs. We recommend you plan a 1:1 cash match for your project.
Overview
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 K-12 Anne Arundel County public and private schools are eligible to apply. Learn more about our AiE program HERE
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