The FY26 Advancement Grants (AG) program, administered by the Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County (AHCMC), is designed to support nonprofit arts and humanities organizations located in Montgomery County, Maryland. These grants provide financial assistance for capacity-building projects that strengthen an organization's fiscal stability, long-term planning, and ability to engage the community. The grants are available to organizations with an annual cash operating revenue and expenses of at least $50,000 over the past three consecutive fiscal years. Eligible organizations must focus on disciplines such as performing arts, media arts, visual arts, literary arts, folk and traditional arts, history, and philosophy.

The primary purpose of the Advancement Grants is to help arts and humanities organizations maintain long-term viability and fiscal stability. These grants support various strategic initiatives, including long-term planning, capital improvement projects, emergency preparedness planning, accessibility planning, and technological advancements that align with an organization’s mission. The program also emphasizes diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA), encouraging organizations to implement intentional strategies that promote these values.

Applicants may request funding between $10,000 and $100,000. Requests exceeding $25,000 require an FY24 financial review or audit, while those exceeding $50,000 require a full FY24 audit. Funding is only available for project-related expenses incurred between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. The grant cannot be used for general operating expenses, capital improvements, fundraising activities, real estate purchases, or activities occurring outside Montgomery County.

Eligible applicants must demonstrate 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, have a primary office in Montgomery County, and allocate at least 51% of their programs and services within the county. Additional eligibility criteria include having an independent Board of Directors, a balanced budget, and at least one paid employee working a minimum of five hours per week (20 hours per week for grant requests exceeding $25,000). Recipients of consecutive FY24 and FY25 Advancement Grants are not eligible to apply for FY26 funding but may reapply in FY27.

Applications must be submitted online via the AHCMC grants portal by Friday, February 28, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. The application process includes a completed narrative, organizational and financial support materials, project and programming support materials, and work samples. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact AHCMC grants staff for guidance and attend informational webinars. The panel review process evaluates applications based on the effectiveness of the project (50 points), quality of management (25 points), and appropriateness of the budget (25 points).

Award announcements will be made in late June 2025. Grant recipients must comply with all program requirements, submit a mid-year report by February 28, 2026, and a final report by July 31, 2026. Funds are distributed following the completion of necessary agreements, submission of financial documentation, and approval from Montgomery County Government. Any changes in project scope or budget must be pre-approved, and unspent or misused funds must be returned to AHCMC by July 31, 2026.