Best Grants for the Arts in Maryland

Nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and fiscally sponsored projects in Maryland that focus on Baltimore City can receive up to US $10,000 for community development, arts and culture, education, and related initiatives. With a mission to build a stronger Baltimore, Abell Foundation provides small grants for seed projects, ongoing programs, capital needs, operations, and advocacy efforts.

Maryland arts and culture organizations seeking general operating support can apply for the Creativity Grants for General Operating Support, with awards up to US $4,000. With a mission to advance the arts statewide, Maryland State Arts Council offers rolling, once-per-fiscal-year funding to strengthen small organizations’ seasons or annual arts programming.

Maryland artists and arts organizations seeking professional development to strengthen publicly accessible arts programming can access funding through the Maryland State Arts Council. Grants up to US $2,000 support training, learning, and capacity-building opportunities that advance creative work and community-focused arts programs across Maryland, with applications reviewed monthly on a rolling basis.

Arts nonprofits and independent artists in Maryland can receive US $1,000 - US $4,000 to support specific arts projects, events, or programs. Grants from Maryland State Arts Council help strengthen small arts organizations and artists through funding for general operations, arts programs, services, or single arts projects with rolling monthly review.

Maryland arts and culture nonprofits in Maryland can receive funding to present professional performing artists from the Maryland Performing Artists Touring Roster. Focused on arts and culture, the Maryland State Arts Council offers US $500 - US $5,000 to support touring engagements that expand access to high-quality performances and strengthen collaboration between Maryland presenters and artists.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits can apply for John J. Leidy Foundation grants of US $1,000 - US $10,000 to support operating costs, programs, or equipment. Organizations in arts and culture, as well as education, health, human services, and economic or disability services, may be eligible, with preference for those serving the Baltimore metropolitan area.

Established 501(c)(3) organizations in Maryland can seek project-specific funding for arts and culture, education, community services, and related programs that benefit Montgomery County residents. Grants from Wolpoff Family Foundation help Maryland arts groups and other nonprofits expand creative opportunities, cultural experiences, and community-strengthening initiatives with clear, measurable outcomes.

Maryland K–12 public schools in Baltimore City seeking to expand arts programming can use this fund for classroom art supplies and student arts experiences. Maryland arts educators can access funding through Maryland State Department of Education, with US $250,000 available to support curriculum-based arts activities led in partnership with Arts Every Day.

Maryland arts and culture organizations can access funding through the Maryland State Arts Council’s Grants for Organizations program to support annual operating costs or ongoing public arts programs. Nonprofit arts producers/presenters and non-arts nonprofits, as well as units of local government, colleges, and universities, may receive more than US $50,000 for eligible dance, music, theater, visual, literary, and related arts activities.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Maryland can apply for Peoples Bank Foundation grants to support community programs, including arts and culture initiatives. Eligible organizations must be within the bank’s service footprint and submit only one application annually. Requests cannot cover payroll, salaries, or stipends and must come directly from the nonprofit.

Maryland individual craft, folk, and traditional artists seeking $1,000–$5,000 for tools and equipment may be eligible for this program, which supports object-based work. Maryland arts practitioners can access funding through the Center for Cultural Innovation to purchase, repair, or install equipment, build custom tools, or improve storage that advances their craft practice.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits with projects in Priority Funding Areas can receive up to US $10,000 in Community Investment Tax Credits to attract individual and business donations for local initiatives. Administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, this program supports arts and culture, education, housing, workforce training, neighborhood revitalization, and services for at-risk residents.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and 509(a) public institutions in Maryland can seek support for cultural arts programs, education, health, human services, historical preservation, and spiritual enrichment projects. Grants from Delaplaine Foundation help Maryland arts and culture groups, especially those serving Frederick County, deliver programs with measurable, long-term community benefits and strong additional funding support.

Maryland 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking more than US $50,000 for one-time, project-based work can apply for France-Merrick Foundation support, with a primary focus on Greater Baltimore. Funding often backs capital projects and capacity-building in civic and cultural facilities, helping arts and culture organizations enhance community vitality and long-term impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations presenting Japanese arts and culture projects in Maryland and other states east of the Rockies can receive support for performances, exhibitions, film screenings, workshops, and online cultural exchange. Japan Foundation New York reimburses eligible project costs such as artist fees, travel, shipping, publicity, and online content expenses.

The Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund, established by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, has distributed over $16.3 million in grants since 1999. It supports charitable organizations and local governments in eleven Oregon counties, as well as Native American initiatives across the U.S. The fund prioritizes education, health, public safety, addiction prevention, housing, arts, and environmental preservation, ensuring the Tribe's commitment to community support and cultural heritage.

The Valley Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in Santa Clara County and beyond by supporting qualified 501(c)(3) organizations. Focused on educational, historical, and preservation initiatives, the Foundation provides essential funding to groups dedicated to societal improvement. By fostering partnerships with like-minded entities, The Valley Foundation strives to create lasting positive change through its grant-making efforts.

BMO Gives is committed to fostering positive societal impact through community support and charitable initiatives. It focuses on enhancing community and economic resilience, as well as environmental sustainability. Eligible applicants must be registered charities or non-profits operating in Canada or the U.S. and align with BMO's corporate values, which promote inclusivity and non-discrimination. The program aims to support projects that address significant societal needs and empower local communities.

The Vilcek Foundation's 2026 Prizes for Creative Promise in Fashion & Design and Fashion & Culture will award six $50,000 prizes to young immigrant professionals. This initiative recognizes early- and mid-career creatives in fields such as fashion design, writing, and styling, highlighting the vital contributions of immigrants to the arts in the U.S. Eligible applicants must have at least five years of experience and intend to pursue their careers in the country.

Maryland arts and culture organizations collaborating with artists on new work that advances racial and cultural justice can access funding for creation and development through the National Performance Network. Focused on art and social change, this fund supports early-stage projects, co-commissioning partnerships, and community-engaged presentations across the U.S., its territories, and Mexico, with awards of approximately US $15,000.

Youth leaders ages 13–23 in Maryland running arts, culture, or social impact projects can apply for Riley's Way Foundation’s Call for Kindness Fellowship, which offers up to US $5,000 to launch or expand their work. Projects must be youth-led, U.S.-based, and fiscally sponsored by or structured as a 501(c)(3).

The Eugenie Coladarci Arts Scholarship, offered by Morris Arts, awards $1,500 to graduating high school seniors in New Jersey who demonstrate artistic excellence in various disciplines such as dance, drama, visual arts, or music. Applicants are evaluated by a panel of experts based on their work samples, essays, and dedication to the arts. The scholarship directly supports tuition at the chosen college or arts program, continuing the legacy of Eugenie R. Coladarci, a passionate advocate for young artists.

The Elaine Ehlers Arts Scholarship, established in 2002, offers $5,000 to graduating high school seniors in New Jersey who demonstrate artistic excellence in various disciplines such as dance, drama, visual arts, or music. The scholarship is awarded based on a panel's evaluation of work samples and character. This initiative honors Elaine Ehlers' legacy, promoting arts education and supporting students pursuing their creative passions at accredited institutions.

The Marlene and Spencer Hays Foundation Grants support tax-exempt organizations working to enhance lives through arts, healthcare, education, and youth programs. The foundation requires a Letter of Intent (LOI) from all applicants, emphasizing its mission to select grant recipients who align with its values. Grants are not available for political purposes, endowment campaigns, or organizations that discriminate based on race, gender, or religion. This framework ensures a focused impact on community betterment.

The H. Hovnanian Family Foundation Grant supports the Armenian community in Armenia and the U.S., focusing on Monmouth and Ocean Counties, New Jersey. The Foundation prioritizes education, healthcare, arts, and youth development through grants to registered non-profits. Proposals should demonstrate sustainability and community impact, with favorable consideration given to projects that engage local stakeholders and foster collaboration. Applications are accepted year-round, with a maximum funding limit of $10,000 for operational expenses.

The Strategic Projects: Capital Grants by the M J Murdock Charitable Trust offer vital funding opportunities for nonprofit organizations in the Pacific Northwest. These grants support transformative projects that enhance community well-being through construction, renovation, and infrastructure investments. Eligible entities include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities. The Trust emphasizes projects that demonstrate strong community impact and funding diversification, ensuring sustainable growth and lasting benefits for the communities served.

The M J Murdock Charitable Trust offers Strategic Projects: Equipment & Technology Grants to nonprofits in the Pacific Northwest. These grants focus on capacity-building projects and essential equipment, requiring recipients to cover at least 50% of costs. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and tribal entities. Priority is given to projects enhancing community services, education, and environmental stewardship, supporting initiatives that foster human flourishing and demonstrate diversified funding.