Mississippi Arts Commission – Operating Grants

Operating Grants from the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC) are designed to support arts-focused nonprofit organizations that serve as key partners in providing access to the arts throughout Mississippi. These grants aim to ensure the financial stability, organizational development, and programmatic reach of qualifying institutions by offering assistance with general operating expenses. Eligible organizations must have a mission centered on the arts and demonstrate a strong history of delivering community-based programming such as performances, exhibitions, and educational initiatives. The grants may be applied to a broad spectrum of operational costs including salaries, rent, insurance, marketing, and artist fees. Due to the comprehensive nature of funding coverage, applicants are required to submit detailed organizational documentation, including strategic plans, board rosters, biographies of key staff, and recent financial audits or reviews. Applicants must also demonstrate fiscal responsibility, community engagement, and an inclusive governance structure. MAC particularly encourages organizations to use these funds to enhance their community impact through robust arts programming across one of three program areas: Arts Based Community Development, Folk & Traditional Arts, and Arts Industry. To apply, an organization must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit incorporated in Mississippi for at least two years, with a governing board and demonstrable community partnerships. It must not receive other operating funds from the Mississippi state government, nor be an educational institution that awards academic credit. Additional requirements apply to local arts agencies seeking support under the Arts Based Community Development area, which must offer at least two key services such as arts-based programming, advocacy, education, or facility management. Award amounts are scaled according to the applicant’s prior year revenue. Volunteer-run organizations can apply for up to 25% of their previous year's income, capped at $7,500. Staffed organizations with annual budgets of at least $30,000 can apply for up to $20,000, while larger organizations with budgets over $250,000 can request up to 10% of their actual cash revenue, capped at $30,000. All Operating Grants require a 1:1 cash match, and in-kind contributions may not be used toward this match requirement. MAC explicitly prohibits matching MAC grants with other state funds. Applications open on February 1 and must be submitted through MAC’s eGRANT online system by 11:59 p.m. on March 1. Paper, faxed, or emailed submissions are not accepted. Review panels evaluate proposals in April, final decisions are made in June by MAC’s Board, and applicants are notified of results in July. The grants are disbursed in two equal installments—one after contract approval and the other after submission and approval of the final report. Veteran grantees who have successfully completed three consecutive one-year Operating Grants may be considered for Three-Year Operating Grant status, subject to panel recommendation and MAC Commissioner approval. Organizations applying are evaluated across four criteria areas: alignment with strategic goals and MAC objectives; quality and artistic merit of planned activities; inclusiveness and community engagement; and organizational capacity to execute programs and measure impact. MAC emphasizes accessibility, requiring all funded programs to be inclusive and ADA-compliant. As a condition of receiving funds, organizations must comply with federal regulations prohibiting discrimination and supporting fair labor practices. Required application materials include a narrative, strategic plan, financial statements, personnel biographies, program lists, and more. Full compliance with documentation requirements is necessary for an application to be considered complete.