Sharing Resources
with local arts organizations
As one of 24 County arts agencies established by the Maryland State Arts Council, the Allegany Arts Council receives annually more than one-third of its operating budget through the County Arts Development program. This funding provides operational and programmatic support to the organization, allowing it to meet its strategic objectives.
As a County Arts Development funding recipient, County arts agencies are expected to serve as funders in their own communities, supporting a broad range of creative endeavors. Annually, the Arts Council provides a portion of its funding to Arts in Education initiatives, and operates rotating grant programs.
In the past two years, the Arts Council funded nearly $70,000 in general operation grants, creative placemaking grants, individual artist relief grants and emergency grants for organizations.
In FY23-24, the Allegany Arts Council will eliminate its Creative Placemaking grant program and will introduce new grant opportunities for individual artists and and project-based opportunities for organizations.
General Operating Grants support the daily operations of 501(c)3 arts agencies, and are intended to fill critical funding gaps which often limit arts organizations in paying professional staff, managing facilities or in pursuing capital improvements. Organizations are eligible to apply for a maximum of $3,500 annually and must provide a final grant report at the conclusion of the grant period.
Applications for the FY23-24 calendar year are now being accepted. Organizations that received funding in the previous fiscal year must complete a Final Grant Report in order to be eligible for funding. The deadline to apply for FY2023-24 funding is June 30, 2023.
2023-2024 General Operating Grant Eligibility Guidelines
2023-2024 General Operating Grant Application (PDF)
2023-2024 General Operating Grant Application (Word)
2022-2023 General Operating Grant Final Report (PDF)
2022-2023 General Operating Grant Final Report (Word)
Applications are made available each year for both grant programs with an application deadline of June 30 annually. Applicants which have received funding in the previous fiscal year must provide a final, written grant report before new applications will be considered. Funds in FY2023-24 will be awarded by September 30, 2023.
The Arts Council bylaws require a standing Grants Committee, comprised of its Executive Director as Chair, and six community members appointed by the Director who should offer broad representation of the community, and diversity of experience. The committee reviews all eligible applications and to rank applicants based upon completion of eligibility guidelines, final reports from previous years, overall funding need and artistic merit. Applicants will be notified of the status of their grant applications at the conclusion of the Grants Committee review period.
The Arts Council is willing to offer technical assistance to organizations or individuals who have not previously applied for grant funding. To schedule an appointment, please contact us at art@alleganyarts.org or at 301.777.2787.
