Grant

Opportunities

MSAC Grants for Artists

The purpose of the Grants for Artists program is to contribute to the sustainability of artists’ livelihoods by providing funds that support working or living expenses.

The Grants for Artists program aims to provide artists with holistic support rather than support that focuses solely on a particular product or project-based needs. A primary goal of the program is to strengthen the creative workforce, which is a vital part of Maryland’s economy and culture.

Eligible applicants must be an independent artist making work unaffiliated with an institution or organization, and must be:

Currently engaged in a sustained artistic practice in a discipline supported by MSAC, including forms of dance, music, visual art, public art, folk and traditional arts, media arts, literary arts, and theatre.
- “Sustained” means that the artistic practice is ongoing, active, and intentional over time, rather than occasional or solely historical
Maryland residents who are 18 or older.
- Those experiencing homelessness are encouraged to reach out to MSAC staff for details on how to apply

Applicants must not be:

Enrolled in any matriculated high school, undergraduate or graduate degree program
A recipient of a GFA award in the most recent cycle
Collaborative groups, though members may apply individually

Click here for more info and to apply.

Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development supports housing and community development initiatives in the state of Maryland. DHCD coordinates several community development and revitalization programs including Neighborhood BusinessWorks, Community Legacy, and Main Street Maryland. Central to these community revitalization efforts are several grants to support small businesses and place-based economic development organizations.

Project Restore Grants

This grant activates vacant buildings and supports small businesses. The grant aims to create jobs, improve commercial corridors, and increase local economic activity by providing financial support to place-based economic development organizations working to improve the vitality of Maryland’s commercial corridors. The 2024 grant was part of a $2.9 million award that encompassed three state programs to assist small businesses and support local revitalization projects and activities in the Capital Region. The Elkton Alliance, Inc. Project Restore Grant Committee (PRGC) awards these grants to sub-grantees in years when this grant is offered by the state. Find more information on Project Restore here. The application for Project Restore 2.0 is closed.

FY2025 Subgrant Awardees:

124 & 128 W. Main Street

131 E. Main Street

126-122 E. Main Street

Façade Grants

The Maryland Façade Improvement Program (MFIP) provides funding to improve the exteriors of businesses located in Maryland Sustainable Communities. Funds can be used for capital costs related to the improvement of exterior facades for buildings and facilities. Projects should capitalize on the strengths of downtown Elkton while addressing its challenges to revitalize and should help to achieve a local government’s Sustainable Communities Action Plan. The Elkton Alliance, Inc. Façade Restoration Grant Committee (FRGC) awards façade grants to sub-grantees each year to make improvements and restore properties. Find more information on Façade Grants here. Interested businesses can apply internally with the Elkton Alliance, Inc. by filling out and returning the application below. Applications to the Elkton Alliance are due in June each year. Grants are awarded for a two-year period.

FY2024 Subgrant Awardees:

Elkton Music Hall – 102 Northside Plaza, Elkton, MD 21921

Papillion Event Venue – 170 W. Main St./109 S Bridge St., Elkton, MD 21921

Façade Grant application

Community Legacy Grants

This grant is geared toward essential projects aimed at strengthening communities through activities such as business retention and attraction, encouraging homeownership and commercial revitalization. Funds may be used for projects other than façade and exterior improvements, such as parking lots, streetscaping and outside lighting. Find more information on Community Legacy grants here. Interested businesses can apply internally with the Elkton Alliance, Inc. by filling out and returning this application below. Applications are due to the Alliance in June each year. Grants are awarded for a two-year period.

Community Legacy Grant Application

Cecil County Government Route 40 Business Revitalization Grant

This grant is intended for businesses located along Route 40, the main business corridor through Cecil County. The grant is aimed at revitalizing Route 40 to spur economic growth through job creation, business development, and community revitalization. The purpose of this grant is to assist businesses and organizations striving to improve their exterior image and function, resulting in an enhanced visual appearance and increased utilization of the business by the community. Business can apply directly through Cecil County Government on a rolling basis beginning in September each year. Find more information on Route 40 Business Revitalization grants here.

Video Lottery Terminal (VLT) Local Community Grant Award

VLT Local Community Grants are geared toward local nonprofit and not-for-profit organizations and state, county, and municipal government agencies to reflect and align with needs of the community as outlined in the Cecil County Strategic Plan. Grants are aimed at four key areas: Economic Development, Education, Infrastructure and Safe, Healthy and Active Communities. Funds are limited to nonprofit and not-for-profit organizations and state, county and local government agencies located within Cecil County, Maryland. Interested nonprofits and government agencies can apply directly though Cecil County Government here. Applications open in April and are due in May each year.

Cecil Grown Micro AG Grant Program

Cecil County is now accepting applications for the 2026 Micro Agricultural Grant Program, which offers small but impactful, cost-reimbursable grants to support the growth, diversification, and long-term sustainability of existing agricultural businesses physically located in Cecil County, Maryland. Grant awards range from $2,500 to $10,000 and may support projects such as capital improvements, value-added production, marketing, technology, agritourism, and climate or animal welfare enhancements. Eligible applicants must be established agricultural operations in good standing and able to pay project costs up front. Applications are due Friday, February 27, 2026 at 12:00 PM, and projects must be completed by May 30, 2026, with reimbursement documentation due by June 15, 2026. Learn more and apply at the Cecil MicroAg Grant Program page on the Cecil County website here.The application for Cecil Grown Micro AG Grant is closed.

For additional information on any of these opportunities, please contact office@elktonalliance.org and include your contact details as well as your business details and/or property details.