Missouri Arts Council Express Grants

The Missouri Arts Council (MAC), a state agency, administers Express Grants to support small and emerging arts organizations, as well as those based in rural communities, in delivering arts programming throughout Missouri. This program reflects MAC’s broader mission to expand the accessibility, diversity, and quality of arts experiences for the state’s citizens. Express Grants are designed to be accessible, flexible, and responsive, helping new and smaller applicants engage in meaningful, public-facing arts activities. Express Grants are awarded on a rolling basis throughout the fiscal year (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026). Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on the first Monday of the month that is at least two months prior to the month in which project expenses will be incurred. If the first Monday falls on a holiday, the deadline is extended to Tuesday. Early application is encouraged due to limited funding availability. Applicants can request up to $4,000 per project, and no matching funds are required. All awards are subject to MAC’s internal compliance policies and available funding levels. Eligible projects include performances in dance, music, opera, theatre; arts festivals or components at fairs; exhibitions; literary journal publications; film screenings or series; and artist residencies or education programs through MAC’s Arts Education division. Projects must take place in Missouri and be accessible to the general public. MAC does not fund general operating expenses, events outside the funding period, projects that primarily benefit individual artists, or projects with non-arts primary purposes. Organizations must be incorporated as Missouri nonprofits and hold tax-exempt status with the IRS or be units of local government, such as libraries or municipal departments. New and emerging organizations in operation for less than one year must consult MAC prior to applying. Applicants must also register in MAC’s online system, SmartSimple, and hold a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Applications are reviewed on artistic quality, community involvement, and management ability. Strong applications present clear artistic vision, demonstrate community engagement (especially with underserved populations), ensure accessibility, and include sound management practices. Applicants are required to submit supplemental support materials, including artistic work samples, community engagement documentation, and management tools such as evaluation plans or financial strategies. Reviewers will also evaluate responses to narrative questions, including how the project serves the community, artistic approach and qualifications of participants, accessibility efforts, marketing and outreach strategies, and audience projections. MAC emphasizes equity, inclusion, and local impact in its review criteria. Applicants are encouraged to consult the “Guide to Support Materials” and submit all documentation through the SmartSimple portal. For questions about accessibility practices or support materials, applicants may contact MAC’s Arts & Health Specialist, Piper Hutson, at piper.hutson@ltgov.mo.gov or 314-244-8933. Full documentation, deadlines, and program guides are available on MAC’s website.

Panelists prioritize strong artistic vision, community engagement, outreach to underserved audiences, accessibility, and good management.