Mississippi Arts Commission – Project Grants

The Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC) offers Project Grants as part of its annual funding cycle to support arts-focused initiatives that contribute to the cultural, educational, and economic vitality of communities across Mississippi. MAC, a state arts agency committed to supporting creativity and broadening arts access throughout the state, administers this program to empower nonprofit and public organizations in delivering high-quality, community-relevant arts programming. Applications are accepted from February 1 through March 1 annually, and eligible projects must occur between July 1 of the current year and June 30 of the following year. The grants range from $250 to $5,000 and require a dollar-for-dollar cash match from the applicant organization. Project Grants are designed for Mississippi-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and units of local government, such as schools and libraries. Individuals are not eligible to apply. Organizations may apply for either a Project or an Operating Grant in a given year, but not both. MAC strongly encourages first-time applicants to consult program staff to ensure their proposal aligns with the grant’s goals. The application process is conducted through MAC’s eGRANT system, and submissions must include a narrative, budget itemization, board list, bios of key staff, artist contracts or planning details, brochures or résumés of involved artists, partnership letters (if applicable), and documentation of nonprofit or government status. Project Grants are awarded within one of four distinct program areas: Arts Based Community Development, Arts Education, Arts Industry, and Folk & Traditional Arts. Examples of fundable projects vary by program area. Arts Based Community Development grants might support public art installations, community arts events, or district revitalization through the arts. Arts Education grants may enable schools to host artist residencies, teacher trainings, or curriculum integration. Arts Industry support could fund public performances, exhibits, or statewide conferences. Folk & Traditional Arts grants help preserve and promote Mississippi’s cultural heritage through festivals, exhibits, or workshops. Matching funds must be derived from sources other than state government, such as private donations, earned income, or federal or local grants. While in-kind support is not eligible for match purposes, applicants are encouraged to document such contributions to demonstrate community involvement. Grant awards are paid in two installments: 75% upon project start and 25% upon approval of the final report. The project must adhere to guidelines on accessibility and nondiscrimination and follow legal requirements related to civil rights, labor, drug-free policies, and government debarment regulations. Applications are reviewed using four criteria: the clarity and feasibility of project goals and outcomes; the quality and artistic merit of activities; the inclusiveness and accessibility of public participation; and the applicant's capacity to achieve and evaluate their project goals. Applicants must clearly outline who is involved, how the project serves the community, and how its success will be measured. Supplementary materials such as press clippings, work samples, and promotional materials may be uploaded to support the application. The grant calendar includes the March 1 application deadline, panel review in April, MAC board funding decisions in June, and applicant notifications in July. Funds cannot be distributed until all contract documents are submitted, and grantees must confirm their project start date. MAC’s emphasis on accessibility requires grantees to accommodate individuals with disabilities in both facilities and programming. Questions about specific program areas should be directed to MAC’s designated staff contacts, depending on which category—Community Development, Education, Industry, or Folk Arts—the project best aligns with.

Align your proposal with MAC’s four core program areas. Demonstrate community involvement and a clear evaluation plan.