GRANTMAKING IN THE ARTS
The Garrett County Arts Council, Inc. (GCAC) has been supporting the arts (visual arts, music, theatre, dance, literary arts and culinary arts) in Garrett County since 1976.
The Garrett County Arts Council (GCAC) serves as a major funder of community arts development for arts organizations, arts programming and events, and independent artists in Garrett County.
In FY26, the GCAC Board of Directors allocated $50,000+ in Community Arts Development funding to support Community Arts Development Projects in Garrett County by other 501c3 organizations, Garrett County Public Schools, and our residential independent artists.
GCAC is committed to advancing and modeling equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion in all aspects of our programs and events, embracing equity and non-discrimination regardless of race, religious creed, color, age, gender expression, sexual orientation, class, language, and/or ability.
Garrett County Arts Council Community Arts Development Funding for Project Grant Awards is supported in part by Maryland State Arts Council (msac.org), Board of Garrett County Commissioners, and private gifts.
Purpose
The purpose of GCAC’s Community Arts Development Project Grant is to strengthen the vitality and sustainability of Garrett County’s arts and cultural heritage by providing project-based support to arts organizations, independent artists and Garrett County Public Schools.
Project Grants also provide opportunities to serve the growing needs of relevant arts projects and collaborations within the county.
Community Arts Development Project Grant Program FY2026 Guidelines
Application Process
• All applications will be submitted via the GCAC online grants management system. This year we will be using a Google Drive Form. This change is in direct response to feedback from previous years on the submission process.
• Lost, misdirected or late applications are the sole responsibility of the applicant.
• Applicants must meet all revision deadlines after submission, as specified in writing, or the application will be withdrawn.
• Technical support from GCAC staff is available during regular office hours, 10am-5pm, Monday-Friday. Please note: GCAC staff are available for application assistance during regular business hours with an appointment. If you are calling or emailing for an appointment during non-regular business hours, please allow sufficient time (12 hours minimum) for a response.
Do NOT contact GCAC, The Gallery Shop, or staff members via Direct Message on Facebook or other social media platforms regarding your application or arranging a meeting.
If you would like GCAC staff to review your grant application prior to submission, you must submit it as a Word document attachment to info@garrettarts.org by March 24 at 5pm EST. Individual appointments will be scheduled between 10am-5pm on March 25 and 27, 2026.
Deadline to Submit: April 1, 2026
FINAL REPORTS
Failure to submit the final report by the specified deadline may jeopardize current and/or future GCAC grants received by the organizations and may also result in requiring repayment of awarded grant funds.