Arts Capital Grant

The Arts Capital grant supports the sustainable growth, stability, and longevity of eligible organizations.

This grant can support capital projects that include the expansion of, renovation of, or major repairs to a facility or other infrastructure operated by an eligible organization. 

 

Projects that increase access to facilities, expand access to a greater audience, or prioritize the use of energy-efficient building methods and technologies are encouraged to apply.

Applicants to the Arts Capital grant program must:

  • Be a Maryland-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization 
  • Have an annual operating budget of less than $3,000,000
  • Either: 
  • Include providing arts and cultural education or experiences as a core part of the organization’s mission or vision

If the applicant does not own the property or facility where the project will take place they must show evidence of a long-term lease (with at minimu of five years remaining on the lease term) as part of their application.

Ineligible organizations include

  • Federal and State of Maryland agencies, departments or divisions
  • Schools, colleges, or Universities,
  • Auxiliary non-profit organizations whose mission is primarily for the benefit and fundraising of specific activities, programs, or facilities that would otherwise be ineligible.

Ineligible Projects include:

  • Capital improvements to properties owned by  schools, school systems, colleges, or universities
  • Capital Improvements to properties owned by the State of Maryland Department of General Services, or the Maryland Stadium Authority.

Organizations considering submitting an Arts Capital grant application for the first time are highly encouraged to contact program staff to discuss their proposed project and it’s eligibility for the program.

All applications are submitted via the secure online grants management system, SmartSimple. Click here to log in or create a free account.

  • Applicants are required to complete and submit their applications by electronic means, including the use of an electronic signature.
  • Technical support for SmartSimple is available during regular office hours.
  • Lost, misdirected or late applications are the sole responsibility of the applicant.
  • Applicants must meet all revision deadlines after submission, as specified in writing, or the application will be withdrawn.
  • Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements as specified in the guidelines. Organizations or proposed projects that do not meet the published eligibility requirements will not be considered for scoring.
  • Organizations that have received an Arts Capital grant award, must have completed the work described in their application and submitted a complete and approved final report before they can re-apply for additional funding through this program.

MSAC utilizes a multi-disciplinary, statewide grant panel to electronically review (approve or deny) applications. All applicants to the Arts Capital Grant will receive electronic notification of their grant award or denial after the review period.

Please review the Grant Guidelines in "Quick Resources" for detailed information on the application process.

Upon execution of the grant agreement, MSAC and the Department of Commerce will submit your grant award to the Maryland Board of Public Works for final approval.  Once the award is approved by BPW, payment will be processed for receipt in 6-8 weeks. 

All MSAC grants are paid on the same timeline. To learn more, click here.

Grantees are required to submit a final report at the completion of the funded project. For detailed reporting requirements, please see the Grant Guidelines

FY 2024