Mid Atlantic Arts’ Folk and Traditional Arts Community Projects grants support the vibrancy and resilience of traditional cultures and art forms throughout its multi-state and territory region. These grants provide funding to nonprofit organizations for community-based projects that engage folk and traditional artists, practitioners, and cultural bearers across Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Virginia, and West Virginia, as well as Native nations within these geographies.
Eligible projects may include public performances, art collaborations, workshops and training sessions, exhibitions, fieldwork and documentation, and the commissioning or creation of new traditional work. All supported activities must have a public-facing component such as performances, public meetings, digital broadcasts, or published materials. Fundraisers and benefit events are not eligible. The program particularly encourages proposals that promote cross-border collaboration and support underserved or underrepresented communities, practitioners, or traditions.
Organizations may request between $1,000 and $7,000 in funding. All funds must be used strictly for direct project expenses—indirect costs are not allowable. Awardees must provide a 1:1 cash match, demonstrating funding from other sources such as private donations, ticket sales, or other non-federal grants. The total budget should reflect both the grant amount and the matching funds.
Applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government units, or federally recognized Tribal governments based in the eligible regions. Fiscal sponsorship is not allowed, and applicants must be in good standing with Mid Atlantic Arts, with no overdue reports or documents. Additionally, organizations cannot receive funding from this program and certain other Mid Atlantic Arts programs in the same fiscal year, such as the CALT Experiences or Special Presenters Initiatives.
The application portal opened on November 18, 2024, and the deadline for submission was March 10, 2025, at 11:59pm ET. Award decisions will be announced by June 20, 2025. Funded projects must take place between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. Program contacts include Joel Chapman and Ellie Dassler, who are available for questions and advising sessions throughout the application period.
Provide detailed community collaboration plans; include high-quality and relevant work samples; ensure evaluation and accessibility plans are clearly defined.
