The FY25 Community Grants Program by the Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council (PGAHC) supports arts and humanities projects that enhance cultural accessibility and inclusivity in Prince George’s County, Maryland. This initiative promotes equitable access to creative spaces and programs while driving the county’s creative economy. Applications for the Arts in Education (AIE) program are open through January 31, 2025, via the Submittable Grant Portal.

The AIE program funds projects that provide high-quality arts education and cultural activities for students in kindergarten through grade 12. Eligible projects may include arts instruction, artist residencies, in-school performances, curriculum development, and community-based initiatives. Programs must serve Prince George’s County Public Schools or other approved educational settings. The maximum grant award is $5,000, with no matching requirement for individuals and public schools. Organizations, however, must provide a 1:1 cash or in-kind match for their funding requests.

Eligibility requirements vary for individuals and organizations. Individual applicants must be Prince George’s County residents or maintain active studios in the county for at least six months before applying. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, primarily based in Prince George’s County, and meet tax and compliance standards. Schools, teachers, and auxiliary organizations can also apply for specific programs. Applicants must demonstrate a history of arts programming within the county, align their proposals with educational priorities, and ensure compensation for teaching artists.

Applications are assessed on project quality, alignment with curricula, feasibility, community impact, and inclusivity. Key documents such as project and organizational budgets, work samples, W-9 forms, and prior financial audits or 990s are required. Additionally, applicants must outline program goals, desired outcomes, and evaluation plans, emphasizing accessibility and inclusivity in their project design.

Grant-funded activities must occur between April 1, 2025, and May 31, 2026. Final reports are mandatory, and failure to submit them may affect future funding eligibility. PGAHC also requires a Unique Entity ID (UEI) for all organizational applicants, in compliance with federal guidelines. Individuals, however, are exempt from this requirement.

For additional support, PGAHC offers an informational session on January 7, 2025, and encourages applicants to contact the grants team for guidance. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrate strong ties to Prince George’s County, foster community engagement, and integrate innovative approaches to arts education.