The Arts Capital grant program provides organizations with direct access to state capital funding for projects that enhance or create complete, usable, and accessible arts facilities.
Donor Name: Maryland State Arts Council
State: Maryland
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 10/03/2025
Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000
Grant Duration: 2 Years
Details:
The purpose of the Arts Capital grant program is to provide eligible organizations with direct access to state capital funding for projects that enhance or create complete, usable, and accessible arts facilities.
Projects focusing on the construction of entirely new structures are also eligible, provided they result in a fully functional, accessible, and usable arts facility. Projects that prioritize energy-efficient building methods and technologies, increase facility accessibility for people with disabilities, or expand an organization’s programming and ability to serve a broader audience are strongly encouraged to apply.
Funding Information
- Arts Capital grants range from $50,000 – $500,000.
- Arts Capital funds support activities taking place within two years.
Use of Funds
Grant funds may be used for capital projects involving the expansion, renovation, major repair, or new construction of facilities or infrastructure operated by an eligible organization. To qualify, these projects must result in a facility or enhancements with a minimum useful life expectancy of 15 years. Additional parameters include:
- Exterior projects must either result in expanded outdoor cultural or arts-related programming space or infrastructure, or directly improve the building’s physical accessibility or visibility.
- New Construction projects must include a project timeline and outcomes that demonstrate the feasibility of delivering a fully usable and operational arts facility within the project’s scope and funding support period.
- All project planning and implementation must adhere to local jurisdiction regulations, permissions, and permitting requirements for building-related capital improvements on public or private property. Applicants are responsible for conducting their own research and ensuring compliance.
- Arts Capital funds may only be used for a new project or phase of work. Work that begins before the grant award and Board of Public Works approval is not eligible for funding.
- Up to 15% of the grant award may be allocated to indirect administrative costs related to the proposed project.
Strongly Encouraged Funding Usage:
- Projects that increase access to arts facilities and programming to people with disabilities, people of color, people living below the federal poverty level, or that expand access to new audiences.
- Projects that prioritize energy-efficient building methods and technologies.
- Projects that expand arts services by increasing usable programming space.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants must meet the requirements listed below:
- Nonprofit organization (i.e., an organization with an IRS-designated 501(c)3 status), incorporated and based in Maryland;
- Operate a physical property in Maryland that is either leased or owned by the applicant organization.
- Applicants must provide either proof of property ownership or a lease agreement with the property owner showing a minimum of five years remaining at the time of application;
- Have an annual operating budget of less than $3,000,000; and
- Either:
- Currently, participate in MSAC’s Grants for Organizations or County Arts Development programs or
- Be open to the public and provide arts-based cultural education or experiences.
For more information, visit MSAC.
