Only eligible expenses can be included in the project budget. Organizations are no longer allowed to use ineligible expenses for matching purposes.

Documentation retention is increased from three to four years.

Line-item funding: Missouri Arts Council funds cannot be used for organizations that also receive State of Missouri appropriations for projects that could be funded by MAC.

Annual programs use the Annual Discipline application form. Arts Education and Partnership have different forms.

Closed programs for Annual funding: We are not accepting new applications for these programs: Arts Council–Operating Support, Arts Council–Project Support, Established Institutions, Folk Arts, Mid-Sized Arts Organizations, Music–Instrumental, Theatre. Interested organizations may apply for an Express Grant.

Returning applicants from closed programs: If your organization received annual FY2025 funding from the above programs, you must submit an Off-Year Application for FY2026 MAC support.

December
Annual applications open on SmartSimple (end of month)

January
Draft Application deadline (last Monday, 11:59 p.m.)

February
Final Application deadline (last Monday, 11:59 p.m.)

March
Staff reviews applications for eligibility and completion

April
Panelists review, score, and comment for on-year applicants
Off-year applicants receive same score as previous year.

May
Panels meet to review on-year applications. The meetings are open to applicants. 
Last invoice due by end of month unless extended

June
Governor signs state budget
MAC board approves panel recommendations and budget
Fiscal year ends (end of month)

July
Fiscal year begins (beginning of month)
Final reports due (mid month)
Award letters sent to applicants
Interim reports available

September
Interim reports due (last Monday)

October
Interim report approved before grant agreement is issued
Once grant agreement is signed by all, invoices may be submitted after funding is spent and matched.

Partnership Grants are available by invitation only.

General Eligibility
This program is by invitation only. If you have a program you wish to be considered, contact Michael Donovan, executive director, at 314-340-4740 or michael.donovan@ltgov.mo.gov.

Overview: Strategic Goals
The Partnership Grant funds special initiatives that strongly align with one or more Missouri Arts Council strategic goals:
Goal 1: Engage People in Meaningful Arts Experiences
Goal 2: Grow Missouri’s Economy Using the Arts
Goal 3: Strengthen Missouri Education through the Arts

Purpose
To support and strengthen initiatives aligned with Missouri Arts Council strategic goals
To focus on strategic measurable outcomes
To provide a framework for evaluation
To develop a process to identify and involve future shared initiative partners
Partnership Grants are not intended to fund programs that would otherwise be eligible for artistic discipline grants such as Annual or Express.

Outcomes
The programs would demonstrate public value and measurable outcomes in our strategic goals.

Criteria
Focused strategic outcomes: The Partnership is focused on strategic outcomes (as described above) with measurable and documented outcomes.
Significant community involvement: The Partnership is engaged with local and/or statewide partners strategically, logistically, and/or financially.
Strong management ability: The Partnership demonstrates strong management ability including leadership, program development, and financial stewardship.

Request Amount
The request amount will be developed with Michael Donovan, executive director, based on meeting program criteria, available state resources, and community investment.

Process
Alignment: Missouri Arts Council interview applicant to review proposed project, opportunities for engagement, alignment with strategic goals, desired outcomes, and budget.
Application: Apply online using the Partnership Application. Describe the project for which you are requesting funding.
  – How does it align with MAC strategic goals?
  – What are the measurable outcomes?
  – How will the program be evaluated?
  – Whom are you partnering with to ensure success?
  – Additional attachments: annual/biennial registration, board list, budget detail

Approval
Staff reviews applications and makes funding recommendation to the executive committee.
The executive committee reviews and makes funding recommendation to the Missouri Arts Council board.
The Missouri Arts Council board reviews funding recommendations at the June meeting.
Staff notifies applicants of funding decision in July.

Deadline
Draft Submission is due by the last Monday in January.
Final Submission is due by the last Monday in February.

We accept applications for Express Grants on a rolling deadline in these programs: Arts Council Basic, Arts Education, Big Yellow School Bus, Project, Touring–Community or School

Most use the Express Project application form. Express Arts Education, Big Yellow School Bus, and Touring have different application forms.

Check here for an overview of our volunteer panels system and detailed information on panelists’ responsibilities, how to nominate panelists, our criteria for selecting panelists, and the annual month-by-month schedule of the panel process.