As part of Governor Larry Hogan's Maryland Strong: Economic Recovery Initiative, it was announced last week that an additional $3 million will be distributed by MSAC through its Emergency Grant Program. Created in March in response to the COVID-19 State of Emergency, Emergency Grants provide funding to arts organizations and artists for losses sustained because of programming, operations, and events that have been modified or cancelled. This third round of funding is available to County Arts Agencies, Arts & Entertainment District Management Entities, Arts Organizations, and Independent Artists.

All applicants above will be required to complete an application through Smart Simple to request funding. Applications opened October 30th and must be submitted by 5 p.m. on November 13, 2020 to be considered for funding. 

Please note: Those who have received funding from the first and/or second rounds of Emergency Grants are eligible to apply for additional funding during the third round.

Eligibility

• Arts Organization Eligibility (includes County Arts Agencies and Arts & Entertainment District Management Entities): 

  • The organization has previously received MSAC funding in any program or is approved to apply for the FY22 Grants for Organizations cycle.

  • The organization must provide an estimate of any anticipated revenue from state and/or federal sources in the budget submission including but not limited to:

    • US Small Business Association Disaster Relief Loan

    • Maryland Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Relief Loan Fund 

    • Maryland Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Relief Grant Fund

    • National Endowment for the Arts

    • Maryland Humanities

    • National Endowment for the Humanities

• Independent Artist Eligibility:

• Independent Artists are defined as artists who earn income from artistic activities that are not directly affiliated with an arts organization.

  • Independent Artist income is not derived from the creation or execution of artistic work for industry–oriented or industry–related production.

  • Independent Artists are not full-time salaried employees. 

• Applicants must provide an estimate of any unemployment benefits in the budget submission.  

For complete eligibility requirements, please see the Guidelines linked below.

Applying for a Grant

Grant applications for the third round of Emergency Grant funding will open on October 30  and are available through Smart Simple. 

Applications are due by 5:00 PM on November 13, 2020.

Emergency Grant for Arts Organizations Guidelines 

Emergency Grant for Arts Organizations Rubric

Emergency Grant for Independent Artists Guidelines 

Emergency Grant for Independent Artists Rubric 

Contact Information

Dana Parsons Director, Grants and Professional Development Email: dana.parsons@maryland.gov