The Arts Council of Anne Arundel County (ACAAC) has announced the 2026 Community Arts Grant (CAG) opportunity, offering general operating support for nonprofit arts organizations serving residents of Anne Arundel County, Maryland. The Community Arts Grant program is ACAAC’s primary funding initiative and is structured to promote equity by categorizing applicants into three budget-based tiers: Tier I (up to $100,000), Tier II ($100,000–$750,000), and Tier III (over $750,000). Applications will be accepted from April 1 to April 30, 2025.

ACAAC’s mission is to promote artistic expression and historic preservation while advocating for educational and financial resources that increase accessibility and opportunity in the arts. The Council is deeply committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) across all of its programming and grantee partnerships. Funding for the Community Arts Grant comes from the Maryland State Arts Council, local hotel taxes, and private donations.

Eligible organizations must be nonprofit arts entities that produce or present programming within Anne Arundel County. They must have operated for at least one full fiscal year, be incorporated or have a significant physical presence in the county, demonstrate that the majority of programming and expenditures take place within the county, and be governed by a board of directors. Applicants must also maintain Good Standing with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. Public, private, and charter K–12 schools are not eligible, but can explore ACAAC’s Arts in Education grants instead.

Two grant types are available: Founding Grants (up to $2,500) for first-time applicants and general operating support for returning grantees with a proven record of responsible grant stewardship. Applicants must submit their application online via ACAAC’s Submittable platform, where all grant-related reports (interim and final) must also be submitted. All recipients must credit ACAAC and Anne Arundel County in promotional materials and are expected to comply with federal and state civil rights and accessibility requirements.

The application process emphasizes clarity, detail, and evidence-based responses. Reviewers evaluate proposals using a weighted rubric that includes criteria in organizational strength, programming quality, outreach and impact, and financial stewardship. Applicants are advised to consult the rubric and involve collaborators using the Submittable platform as needed.

Grantees will be notified of their award status by July 15, 2025. First payments (50%) will be distributed by October 15, 2025, with the remaining 50% paid by March 15, 2026, contingent upon approval of the interim report, which is due by February 28, 2026. Final reports are due by August 31, 2026. Applicants may contact ACAAC Grants Manager Susan Baum at susan.baum@acaac.org with any questions or to report significant changes in organizational finances during the grant period.