MSAC Grants for Artists Program (US)

The GFA program aims to provide artists with holistic support rather than support that focuses solely on a particular product or project-based needs. A primary goal of the program is to strengthen the creative workforce, which is a vital part of Maryland’s economy and culture.

Funding Information

• GFA grants are $2,500 each. Grantees will be chosen at random from eligible applications. GFA grants are available annually.
• Duration: GFA funds support activities taking place during the fiscal year (FY) in which funds are awarded. MSAC’s FY 2025 is July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025.

Eligible Activities

• Grant funds may be used for:
  • Administrative costs, consultant fees, contractual services, daycare services, entry fees, equipment rental, exhibition costs, financial tools or planning, food, housing, insurance, studio or workspace costs, materials and supplies, marketing costs, medical costs, payment to technical crews, fabricators, or collaborators, professional memberships, performance costs, production costs, student loans, submission fees for grant or residency applications, travel and transportation, utilities, website development, and other costs associated with independent artists’ working and living expenses.

Ineligible Activities

• Grant funds may not be used for:
  • Activities performed as part of regular, continuing employment with an entity (e.g., non-profit organizations, LLCs, institutions, government agencies, etc.)
  • Capital improvements or purchases of permanent equipment
  • Activities for the exclusive benefit of an organization’s members
  • Contributions to any persons who hold, or are candidates for, elected office
  • Contributions to any political party, organization, or action committee
  • Activities in connection with any political campaign or referendum
  • Lobbying activities
  • Expenses for activities or projects already completed at the time of grant application
  • Expenses for which the applicant has been awarded funds through another MSAC grant program. (i.e., an applicant may only be awarded MSAC funds once for any individual project expense).

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be:
  • Artists who engage in a consistent creative practice, independent of affiliation with a larger organization or institution.
  • Maryland residents (i.e., owning or renting residential property in Maryland six months prior to the application’s submission and throughout the funded project or program) who are 18 or older.
  • In good standing with MSAC at the time of application, have met all reporting and obligations for any MSAC grants previously received.

Ineligibility Criteria

• Applicants must not be:
  • Enrolled in any matriculated high school, undergraduate or graduate degree program at the time of application and throughout the grant activities outlined in the application.
  • Recipient of a FY 2024 GFA award. A grantee receiving funds in FY 2024 must wait until FY 2026 to re-apply to GFA.
  • An arts organization or arts program:
    • Entities (e.g., non-profit organizations, LLCs, institutions, government agencies, etc.) are not eligible for support through the Grants for Artists program.
  • Collaborative Groups:
    • Collaborative groups are not eligible for support through the Grants for Artists program, though members of collaborative groups may apply individually, provided they meet eligibility requirements.

For more information, visit MSAC.