Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation Announces CARES Arts Organization Relief Grants
Program Awards $790,000 in Support to 79 Mid-Atlantic Region Arts Organizations
Baltimore, MD – October 13, 2020 – Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation (MAAF) has announced $790,000 in grant awards through the CARES Arts Organization Relief Grants program in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Small to mid-sized non-profit arts organizations in MAAF’s partner states, jurisdictions, and territories (DC, DE, MD, NJ, NY, PA, USVI, VA, and WV) were eligible to apply through a competitive process for one-time, non-matching grants of up to $20,000. Funding for the program was provided by the National Endowment for the Arts through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
“We are pleased to pass along this important CARES Act funding to organizations in the mid-Atlantic region in the hope that it offers some relief to an arts field struggling with the reality of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Theresa Colvin, MAAF’s Executive Director. “We know the need is great, and will continue to look for ways to further support and strengthen the arts community during this challenging time.”
MAAF received 1,022 applications requesting $10.7 million in support at the program deadline. Applications went through a rigorous review process that involved a diverse group of panelists to ensure an equitable distribution of funds. Panelists from across the region were selected for expertise in nonprofit arts management across various artistic disciplines and sectors.
A total of 79 grants were awarded to organizations working in the performing, visual, and literary arts and 57 of the 79 CARES grantees are new to MAAF programs. MAAF’s recently adopted strategic plan calls for engaging new participants across all programs so this outcome is particularly promising. Grantees represent all nine states, territories, and jurisdictions in the mid-Atlantic region. Grant amounts were determined by the operating budget size of the applicant organization and include increments of $5,000, $10,000, and $20,000. Funding may be used for salary support, fees for artists and/or contractual personnel, and facilities costs.
About Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation
Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation develops partnerships and programs that reinforce artists’ capacity to create and present work and advance access to and participation in the arts. The Foundation was created in 1979 and is a private non-profit organization that is closely allied with the region’s state arts councils and the National Endowment for the Arts. It combines funding from state and federal resources with private support from corporations, foundations, and individuals to address needs in the arts from a regional, national, and international perspective. For more information on the Foundation’s programs and services, please visit: www.midatlanticarts.org
About the National Endowment for the Arts
The National Endowment for the Arts was established by Congress in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal government. To date, the NEA has awarded more than $5 billion to support artistic excellence, creativity, and innovation for the benefit of individuals and communities. The NEA extends its work through partnerships with state arts agencies, local leaders, other federal agencies, and the philanthropic sector. www.arts.gov
Contact:
Karen Newell
Director, External Affairs
Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation
karen@midatlanticarts.org
410.539.6656 x104