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  4. Operating Grant Funding Guidelines

Operating Grant Funding Guidelines

Operating Grants funded through the Baltimore County Commission on Arts and Sciences provide general operating support for organizations that offer visual and performing arts, science and humanities programs, performances, exhibitions and lectures that benefit Baltimore County residents.

ELIGIBILITY

Not-for-profit organizations in Baltimore County, Baltimore City, Anne Arundel, Carroll, Howard and Harford Counties are eligible to apply for funding for arts activities that take place in their jurisdictions and serve Baltimore County residents. It is the Commission's policy not to be the sole source of funding for any applicant.

REVIEW CRITERIA

The Baltimore County Commission on Arts and Sciences considers the following criteria as it evaluates each grant proposal:

  • Artistic quality and consistency of performances, exhibits or programs
  • Programming continues to evolve creatively
  • Public receptivity

  • Programming includes educational component
  • Clear explanation of how programs and services fulfill organization's mission
  • Enhances quality of life by fulfilling community need
  • Enhances Baltimore region's cultural stature

  • Proactive outreach to attract new audiences from the County
  • Creativity of outreach programs, including partnerships with County-based organizations
  • Geographic diversity of programs and outreach within the County
  • Number and extent of programs or activities that take place in County

  • Extent and quality of proactive outreach efforts to meet the needs of underserved, marginalized and diverse populations who by virtue of their age, income, locale, physical or developmental ability, or any other characteristic have fewer opportunities, less visibility and limited access to programs available to the general public
  • Outreach and inclusion of citizens of diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds, including on boards, advisory groups and staff

  • Exhibits financial responsibility and stability
  • Ability to organize and develop means to support plans and activities as measured by prior record and soundness of plans
  • Ability to leverage in-kind, board and volunteer resources
  • Ability to secure multiple funding sources (public, private, foundation, individual)
  • Budget data consistent, accurate and complete

GRANT AVAILABILITY

The application period for fiscal year 2026 operating grants has closed.

FY25 OPERATING GRANTS Schedule

  • Submission Deadline: February 23, 2024
  • Grants Awarded: September 2024
  • Fully Funded: January 2025
  • Final Reports Due: August 15, 2025

FY26 OPERATING GRANTS Schedule

The application period for fiscal year 2026 Operating Grants has closed.

  • Submission Deadline: December 16, 2024
  • Grants Awarded: August 2025
  • Fully Funded: January 2026
  • Final Reports Due: August 15, 2026

Explore Arts and Sciences

  • Operating Grants
  • Project Grants
  • Grant Recipients
  • Logos and Grant Credits
  • COVID-19 Memorial Public Art Project
  • Commission Meetings and Members

Contact Us

Commission on Arts and Sciences

305 Washington Avenue
Towson, Maryland 21204

Hours

Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Email

artsgrants@baltimorecountymd.gov

Phone

410-887-0331
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