We are pleased to announce that we are now accepting grant applications for the Special Request Grant Program. The purpose of the Special Request Grant is to support art programs and projects that may not be eligible for Talbot Arts established grant programs. The Special Request Grant is designed to increase access to and streamline the process of requesting special funds from Talbot Arts. Please note that each applicant may only receive funding for one application per fiscal year (July 1-June 30).  The deadline for submission of the Special Request Grant is rolling.  

The Board will determine each grant based on the amount funding available in a given year, the financial needs of your organization, the level of community engagement demonstrated by your organization, and other sources of financial support. 

Qualifications to Apply for Special Request Grant Support

Special Request Grants support non-profit and government-related organizations to provide equitable access to diverse and inclusive local arts activities for citizens and visitors to Talbot County. We have a special interest in programs that bring the arts to underserved communities, including people in healthcare settings, the economically disadvantaged, seniors, and those with special needs.  The organization/program should have completed one fiscal year as of the date of the grant submission, with ongoing art activities. The proposed arts activity should primarily benefit Talbot County residents and guests. Funds must be utilized as indicted in the application. Any proposed changes, including those of artist, date, time, or site, must be approved by the Arts Council in Advance.

Application Process

To apply for these funds, complete and submit the online form to the Arts Council. Applicants receive a confirmation email. The Executive Committee will review all applications submitted the preceding month, and their recommendations will be forwarded to the Talbot Arts Board for review and approval. Grantees Grantees are eligible to receive up to 50 percent of the direct cost of the approved art project. When completing the application, provide only the project budget – not the organization's budget. The deadline for submitting the Special Request Grant is rolling. An organization may request only one Special Request Grant per fiscal year. Grants will be awarded throughout the fiscal year until allocated funding is depleted.

Tips for completing an online application

We recommend reading through the application in advance. Gather your information before beginning the application process. When you finish, a copy of your response will be emailed to the address you provided. You will receive an email confirming we have received your application.

CRITERIA, REQUIREMENTS AND EVALUATION 

Grant Criteria

 Talbot Arts receives more grant requests than can be accommodated by the resources available. We retain the right to accept or reject grant applications, to suggest changes, and to support grant requests in full, in part, or not at all. Arts Council decisions on applications are guided by:

•  The artistic merit of the proposed activities.                                  

• Organizational effectiveness--the ability of the organization to carry out the proposed activity.

• Service to the community- how well the proposed activity or program serve citizens and visitors to Talbot County?  

Requirements for Organizations Receiving Funds

To receive funds from Talbot Arts, an organization must either be designated as a Maryland non-profit corporation with IRS tax-exempt status or be a government-related entity such as a school, library, or a parks and recreation department. 

• The organization/program should have completed one fiscal year as of the date of the grant submission, with ongoing art activities.

• The proposed arts activity must primarily benefit Talbot County residents and guests.

• Funds must 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.  

• Arts Council funds may not be used for "party art" such as magicians, face painting, hair braiding, or balloon sculpture; for food or drink; for capital improvements; or for fundraising expenses.

• All activities supported by Arts Council grants must be open to the public and accessible to persons with disabilities in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. For details, see our Accessibility Statement on the website www.talbotarts.org.

• Grant recipients must include "sponsored in part by Talbot Arts, with funds from the Maryland State Arts Council" in all publicity materials and programs. Where possible, also use logos for the Talbot County Arts Council and Maryland State Arts Council.   

• A final report form must be filed with the Arts Council within 30 days after completing all activities under the grant, but always by June 30.

Evaluation 

The Executive Committee reviews Special Request Grants. Their recommendations are submitted to the Talbot Arts Board for final approval. Applicants must meet the grant criteria and provide complete information to ensure their application is reviewed and processed promptly.

We use a scoring rubric for each applicant.

1.    Does the applicant meet Talbot Arts requirements to receive funds?  

2.    Is the mission clearly stated?            

3.    Are the project(s) goals clearly stated?              

4.    Does the project(s) demonstrate increased accessibility to the arts? 

5.    Does the organization demonstrate a commitment to diversity? 

6.    Is the project adequately described?        

7.    Is the budget clear, relevant, and meets all requirements? 

8.    Does the organization meet a community need, and explain how it meets that need? 

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 of Arts Council (MSAC) 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 acknowledgement 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 is important yuo comply with this requirement. You may fill out the final report here.