GRANTS for Small Organizations
One time grants for 501(c)3 organizations with art and community focus
Open Space Arts is dissolving after 36 years as an active arts organization serving Reisterstown, Maryland and the surrounding areas. After selling our property, we are giving out grants with our proceeds.
For over 36 years, Open Space Arts in Reisterstown, Maryland has offered inclusive arts programming. However, our organization never fully recovered from COVID, and the board has decided that OSA’s run has ended. After selling our property, the board has decided to use our remaining funds to support other arts organizations before dissolving OSA permanently. One-time grants up to $10,000 will be awarded based on the organization’s ability to provide art programs/activities for inclusivity* of a variety of people. We are interested in arts programming that promotes building community. Arts organizations within Reisterstown and its surrounding areas are especially encouraged to apply. OSA defines the arts very broadly, including the fine arts, performance arts, and related activities. Awardees must be registered 501(c)3 organizations, or have a sponsoring organization with the 501(c)3 status. Requests must include the purpose for which funds are to be used. Project Grants or General operating expenses are permitted. OSA will fund as many applications as possible with the funds available. This is a one-time grant opportunity and Open Space Arts will not fund any other grants beyond this grant cycle. Applications are to be submitted by 5 pm on July 1, 2026. Awards will be announced by August 10, 2026.
*Inclusivity refers to providing equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized, such as those having physical or intellectual disabilities, neurodivergency, or belonging to other minority groups. Applicants must describe how their organization addresses inclusivity and give current examples.
Directions: You may access the application form via a Google Form document https://forms.gle/hHbBBTx3pLqLX3qh9
or you may copy, paste and complete the application form in a document app. Then submit the grant application to openspaceartsmd@gmail.com using a .pdf format.
For questions, please contact openspaceartsmd@gmail.com.
Guidelines:
+ Must have a 501(c)3 non-profit status directly or have a sponsoring agency with 501(c)3 status. Must provide letters of 501(c)3 status.
+ Provide arts programing of any kind to the public.
+ Serve Baltimore County residents, particularly northwest Baltimore County (other areas can be part of your reach in addition to Baltimore County)
+ Programs/events include pathways to building community or strengthening community ties among participants and/or groups.
+ Grant funds can be used for a project or for general operating expenses.
+ Preference given to small organizations with an annual budget of under $50,000.
+ If awarded a grant, give credit to Open Space Arts in written and on-line materials
Open Space Arts
Grant Application Form
Deadline: July 1, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Directions: You may access this form via a Google Form document https://forms.gle/hHbBBTx3pLqLX3qh9
or you may copy, paste, and complete this form in a document app. Then submit the grant application to openspaceartsmd@gmail.com using a .pdf format.
For questions, please contact openspaceartsmd@gmail.com.
Information about the Applicant Organization
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1- Name of Organization
Address
Web address: -
2- Responsible person contact information:
Name:
Telephone: Email: -
3- Alternate contact person:
Name -
Telephone: Email:
Information about your request
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Brief summary of project or operating expenses to be covered by this grant. (300 word max):
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Impact of funding on the Applicant organization (300 word max):
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How does the Applicant organization address inclusivity (include examples) (300 word max):
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Amount of request (nearest whole dollar):
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Budget (broken down into clear and reasonable line items):
Date and sign your application
Attachments (no additional attachments, please)
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A brief (1 page, 12 pt font, 1 in. margins) history of the Applicant organization and the kinds of arts programming it supports. Include recent examples in the text.
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Copy of 501(c)3 IRS tax letter for Applicant organization or its designated fiscal sponsor (In the latter case, please provide a copy of the agreement you have with your fiscal sponsor confirming that it will serve in that capacity.)
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List of organization's Board members and affiliations
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Copy of Applicant organization's annual budget for the FY26
OSA reserves the right to request additional information if needed.