Support for Organizations - Creative Baltimore Fund FY26

Administered by Create Baltimore (formerly BOPA) 

This grant provides general operating support to Baltimore-based arts and cultural organizations with operating budgets under $300,000. General operating funding helps strengthen daily operations, sustain creative programming, and increase community access to the arts. Organizations selected for funding will receive one general operating grant of either $5,000 or $10,000. The award amount is determined by the adjudicators.

Grants will be awarded in two funding cycles: 

• Cycle 1: $10,000 grants distributed by March 6, 2026
• Cycle 2: $5,000 grants distributed by June 5, 2026 

Organizations that have not received Creative Baltimore Fund general operating support in the past three fiscal years receive priority consideration. All applicants must demonstrate strong alignment with the program’s goals to be selected for funding. 

Estimated time to complete: 60-90 minutes 
Tip: Have your budget, key staff information, and any recent photos or videos ready before you begin. 

KEY DATES — For the FY26 Grant Cycle

Application Opens: Monday, November 3, 2025  
Applicant Office Hours/Information Sessions: (see below)
Application Deadline: Monday, December 15, 2025  
Panel Review: Tuesday, December 16, 2025 – January 15, 2026  
Award Notifications: Tuesday, January 20, 2026  
Contracts and paperwork due from grantees: February 2, 2026 

Cycle 1 Grants Paid by: Friday, March 6, 2026  
Cycle 2 Grants Paid by: Friday, June 5, 2026  
Final Report Due: Thursday, December 31, 2026 

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA — Who May Apply  
To be eligible for the Creative Baltimore Fund's GOS grant program, applicants must meet each of the following criteria:  

• Have a permanent and viable base in Baltimore City for a minimum of two years prior to the submission deadline for the FY26 GOS application.  
• Be and have been a 501(c)(3) organization for at least two years OR be a successor to an arts or cultural organization that had been a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization for at least three years prior to the submission deadline.  
• Provide a Certificate of Good Standing certifying that the applicant is a registered nonprofit corporation, in good standing, in the State of Maryland. 
• Have a primary mission to provide programs or activities in areas directly concerned with arts or culture* for the general public.  

*BOPA defines arts and culture as including, but not limited to, literature, theater, music, dance, fashion and fiber art, comedy and improv, food and culture, visual art (such as drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, film, etc.), placemaking (architecture, public art, murals, etc.), as well as history and natural sciences (archaeology, folk art, natural history, archving, etc.). 

Organizations that utilize fiscal sponsors are eligible. Additional requirements for fiscal sponsors:

• If the annual budget is $500,000 or more — Provide Independently Certified Audited Financial Statements for FY25 and FY24 (or the two most recent completed fiscal years);
• If the annual budget is less than $500,000 — Provide either Independently Certified Audited or Reviewed Financial Statements for FY25 and FY24 (or the two most recent completed fiscal years).

INFO SESSIONS

Nov 16, 12-1pm (virtual info session) - https://calendar.app.google/9USjt53968oVxs2J6

Nov 18, 6-7pm (virtual info session) - https://calendar.app.google/nxbsorZbwRRHojjG9

OFFICE HOURS (by appointment)

Nov 12, 3-5pm 

Nov 19, 3-5pm 

Nov 26, 3-5pm

Dec 3, 3-5pm 

Dec 10, 3-5pm 

Sign up for an appointment during office hours here: https://calendar.app.google/VaewbtcUbE9qg4mJ6