Mini Grants ($100-$500)

Talbot Arts invites organizations and schools that sponsor qualifying arts activities in Talbot County to apply for a mini-grant to support arts-related purposes and programs. Organizations and schools can receive between $100 and $500 for a project.  

Qualifications to Apply for Mini-Grant Support

Mini-grants are intended principally as a one-time encouragement of new arts-related organizations or art initiatives. They are designed to provide funds: 

  • To a new organization between grant cycles and deserves immediate Arts Council support.

  • To provide support for a pilot project.

  • To an existing organization between grant cycles and deserves immediate Arts Council support,

  • To arts programs for which funds provided by the Maryland State Arts Council are restricted.

  • Organizations or schools may receive no more than two mini-grants in a given fiscal year, and their combined total grant awards may not exceed $750. After that, they should submit the request during the annual Community Arts Development Grant cycle for the following fiscal year. Exceptions may be requested.

Application Process

To apply for these funds, complete and submit the application to the Arts Council. Mini-grant applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications received by the end of the month are considered and decided in the following month.

Tips for completing an online application:

We recommend reading through the application in advance. Gather your information before beginning the application process. When you are finished, a copy of your responses will be emailed to the address you provided. You will receive an email confirming we have received your application. for assistance, please email jlevy@talbotarts.org.

CRITERIA, REQUIREMENTS AND EVALUATION

Grant Criteria

Talbot Arts frequently receives more grant requests than can be accommodated by the resources available. Therefore, the Arts Council retains the right to accept or reject grant applications, to suggest changes, and to support grant requests in full, in part, or not at all. In deciding on applications, the Arts Council is guided by:

  • The artistic merit of the proposed activities.

  • Organizational effectiveness – the ability of the applying organization to carry out the activity.

  • Service to the community – how well the proposed activity or program will serve the students, residents, and guests of Talbot County.

Requirements for Organizations Receiving Funds

  • To receive funds, an organization must either be designated as a not-for-profit and tax-exempt by the IRS and incorporated in Maryland or be a government-related organization such as a school, library, or parks and recreation department.

  • School grants are limited to organizations and schools based in Talbot County.

  • The proposed activity must primarily benefit Talbot County students, residents, and visitors.

  • Grants by the Arts Council are usually matched on at least a one-to-one basis in cash. Matching funds are defined as funds from other sources equal to the amount you receive from Talbot Arts.

  • Funds or services from the State of Maryland, or in-kind services, are not allowed as part of this match.

  • Funds are to be used as indicated in the application. Any proposed changes, including those of artist, date, time, or site, must be approved by the Arts Council in advance.

  • Funds may not be used for “party art” (musicians, face-painting, hair braiding, balloon sculpture) or for food, capital improvements, equipment purchases, or fundraising, either directly or indirectly.

  • All activities supported by Arts Council grants must be open to the public and accessible to persons with disabilities.

  • Organizations and schools must include “sponsored in part by Talbot Arts, with funds from the Maryland State Arts Council and the governments of Talbot County, Easton, Oxford, and St. Michaels.”

Evaluation

Mini-grants are reviewed by an internal committee. Their recommendations are submitted to the Talbot Arts board for final approval.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF TALBOT ARTS GRANTS

As a condition of receiving grants from Talbot Arts, organizations are required to acknowledge support from both the Maryland State Arts Council (MSA) and Talbot Arts (TA), in all materials and announcements for your funded projects. You are required to display both logos and include some form of the statement “this program is funded in part by Talbot Arts with revenues provided by the Maryland State Arts Council and the governments of Talbot County, Easton, Oxford, and St. Michaels." For more information about our logos and acknowledgements text go to www.talbotarts.org.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

You are required to file a final report form with the Arts Council within 30 days after completing all grant activities, but always by June 15. To remain in good standing with the Arts Council and be eligible to receive grants in the future, it important you comply with this requirement. You may fill out the report form here.

Revised 7/29/2021