About the Open Call

The Creativity Grant for Projects is available to independent artists and arts organizations. There are two options: the Planning & Development grant, intended to support the early stages of research and development for a proposed project, and the Implementation grant, intended to support the execution of a specific arts projects, events, or programs. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis from July 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026, with a monthly review process.

What is Offered

Grants ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 are awarded to support projects. Upon execution of the grant agreement, payment will be processed for receipt in 6-8 weeks.

Requirements

Applicants must be an Independent Artist, or a Maryland-incorporated 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in operation for one year or more and within grant income requirements, a unit of Maryland local government, or a Maryland college/university/school. Organizations applying through fiscal sponsorships can be funded if the Fiscal Agency and the Organization operate within a Model A sponsorship. Applicants must identify a specific event, activity, or project to occur within the application time frame. Reference the program’s Guidelines for more specific details on eligibility. Organizations receiving funding through general operating programs (Grants for Organizations, County Arts Agencies, Arts & Entertainment Districts, Folklife Network, or Creativity Grant for General Operating) are not eligible for project-based support.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis from July 2025 through March 2026. Applications are reviewed monthly, with notifications following early the next month. Applications must be completed in SmartSimple via https://marylandarts.smartsimple.com/. Program Directors Emily Sollenberger Dobbins and Laura Weiss are available to review a draft of your application prior to submission. Contact them directly via emily.sollenberger@maryland.gov or laura.weiss@maryland.gov for assistance. Please allow several weeks for processing. If your application was declined, you can complete the Arts Services feedback form.