Anne Arundel County recognizes the importance of festivals, parades, and other celebrations that help foster a sense of belonging, local identity, quality of life, and learning opportunities for both residents and visitors. Community-based festivals and events reflect the vibrant cultural tapestry of Anne Arundel County, while also providing opportunities to create economic, social, health and community benefits.
This grant fund may support festivals, cultural events, parades, artistic projects and other celebrations and if the eligibility criteria in this policy are met. The level of support by this grant will be determined by:
- Available funding;
- The economic and social benefits of the festival, event or artistic activation to the community;
- Community support of the activity and/or event;
Scope of Work
The County invites qualified non-profit organizations to apply for this grant. Proposed events, festivals and cultural activations should feature arts and culture (art, dance, history, heritage, music, and/or culture). The events and festivals should be held within Anne Arundel County. Each application will be reviewed on its own merit. Submission of an application does not guarantee awarding of any funding to the applicant. The County reserves the right to request supplementary information in support of application.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for funding, the applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Have demonstrated experience working with planning processes, preferably for at least one year.
- Must be a legally formed non-profit organization in good standing with the State of Maryland.
- Must provide proof of tax-exempt status from the state.
- If awarded, the non-profit organization must enter into a contract with the County and provide proof of insurance.
- Must be a registered vendor with the County via Harbor.
- Must comply with all applicable County, State, and Federal laws, including ethics requirements.
- Prior funding recipients must have submitted an event report for any previously received funds.
- Event must be completed by June 30, 2027.
An applicant’s failure to meet these minimum requirements will cause their application to be considered incomplete, and denied.
Eligibility Criteria for Types of Events
The event proposed must meet the following criteria to be eligible for funding:
- The event must occur within Anne Arundel County boundaries.
- The event must primarily feature culture activities (art, dance, heritage, music, culture, etc.).
- If applicable, the Event must comply with all County Event Guidelines and obtain any required permits within the established timelines. More information about Anne Arundel County Special Event Permits.
Requests for funding shall not be considered if the festival or event(s):
- Is solely a fundraising event.
- Is a sporting and/or athletic event or competition that has not demonstrated a connection to a cultural activity.
- Excludes minors as patrons.
- Will be used for political purposes.
- Is related to demonstrations, marches, or other protests.
Payments
The County will make payments based on the awarded amount and contract. Organizations are responsible to keep detailed records including documents, invoices and submit a report. No payment will be made until the contract has been fully executed by all parties.
Deliverable Report
If the event is a ticketed event, please provide a minimum of two (2) tickets for two (2) members of the Immigrant Affairs Commission to attend the event(s) to assess the event and provide feedback to the commission and county. Both the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Immigrant Affairs Commission logo should be included in all marketing materials.
All event reports are due by June 30, 2027, the awarded recipient must submit a final report that includes:
- Event name, location, and date
- Total grant amount and estimated number of attendees
- Partners involved in the event
- Project description
- Project goals and outcomes
- Total budget and expenditures (including administrative fees)
- Event photos (in JPEG format)
Insurance
Provide proof of certificate of insurance.
Timeline
- Application Opens: July 20, 2026
- Deadline: August 10, 2026
- Notifications (Approval/Denial): August 28, 2026
- Contracts Executed: September 18, 2026
Evaluation Criteria
The Community Building Mini Grant (CBMG) Review Committee will serve as the evaluation committee to evaluate all proposals. The evaluation will be based on the relevant experience, qualifications, purpose, and capabilities of the applicant. The Review Criteria form outlines measures and scores for the grant’s five goals. The Review Committee will provide individual and collective assessment of the grant proposals using this form. After the meeting, the Review Committee will submit their collective recommendations to the County to make the final funding decision.
All requests for funding must address the following evaluation criteria:
- Supports the key goals in Plan 2040
- Clearly defines aims, objectives and outcomes that are measurable
- Is well planned and achievable in the timeframes
- Encourages community engagement and cross-cultural exposure
- Demonstrates ability to raise additional funding and/or in-kind support
- Involves working in partnership with community and/or business partners
- Encourages the expansion of the proposed project and/or event
All requests for funding must include the following:
- Details the organization requesting support, outlining the ability to hold the festival/event/project
- Details of the festival/event/project, the date, location (private, public and/or Recreation and Parks), and type of activities
- Funding amount requested. Please note the maximum grant amount awarded will be $10,000
- Itemized event budget, which should include the County funding request and the organization’s festival budget, covering project expenses (e.g., special fee, location fee), revenues, and any other funding sources
- Details external funding and assistance being sought, including in-kind support,
- Evidence that any required insurance can be obtained
Review Process
The County will review applications for completeness and compliance with the submission requirements. Only complete submissions will be evaluated, and the county retains the right to disqualify any applicant that does not submit all the required items. All applicants with complete applications will be evaluated by appropriate County volunteers.
