Grants for Organizations

MSAC relies on a diverse array of experts from across the state of Maryland to do the important work of evaluating applications. We invite participation through program-specific public calls for panelists. We select panelists with a focus on diversity of experiences, diversity of location, and expertise in varying artistic disciplines. Click here to join our mailing list and receive calls for panelists as we release them. 

On September 9, 2021, the Maryland State Arts Council voted to adopt a new funding formula for the GFO program in an effort to more equitably distribute state appropriated funds to arts organizations across the state. The change will be implemented over a five-year phase-in period beginning in FY2024 and puts MSAC at the forefront of a national trend of state arts agencies adopting policies that promote more equitable distribution of grant funds. 

The new formula groups organizations into five budget tiers, providing a larger percentage of allowable expenses as a maximum grant award to smaller budget organizations, and a smaller percentage to larger organizations that have greater access and connections to non-governmental funding sources, professional fundraising staff, and other resources.

Click here to read the press release for details on the process of developing the new formula. 

There will be a 5 year “phase in” process of the new funding formula. Over 5 years (starting with FY24 funding), the formula’s cap allocations will move to land at the following percentages by Tier level by FY28:

Tier 1: ($50K - $500K) - 15% (cap allocation) over 5 year transition

Tier 2: ($500K - $1.5M) - 10% (cap allocation) over 5 year transition

Tier 3: ($1.5M - $5M) - 6% (cap allocation) over 5 year transition

Tier 4: ($5M - $10M) - 4.5% (cap allocation) over 5 year transition

Tier 5: ($10M+) - 4% (cap allocation) over 5 year transition
 

During this 5 year process, a Grant Amount Cap will also be put into place, as follows:

Year 1 (FY24): $1.4M maximum grant

Year 2 (FY25): $1.3M maximum grant

Year 3 (FY26): $1.2M maximum grant

Year 4 (FY27): $1.1M maximum grant

Year 5 (FY28): $1M maximum grant

Note - the cap allocations will vary based on the MSAC funding allocation each year for the GFO program, along with the other variables, including number of organizations in the GFO program, and each organization’s allowable income year to year, and panel score.

Click here to access the FY25 program guidelines to review all program details, including deadlines and discipline cycles.

Click here to download the new GFO Funding Formula Calculator.

Beginning in April 2022, all organizations applying for funding from MSAC will be required to have a Unique Entity ID (UEI) from SAM.gov in alignment with requirements from the National Endowment for the Arts. This UEI will take the place of a DUNS number, which will no longer be required. You can register for a UEI number by reviewing the information below. 

Webinar Video 
Quick Start Guide