2026 Missouri Arts Awards is sponsored by Missouri Arts Council. Recognizes outstanding contributions to the arts in Missouri.

Apply for funding – Missouri Arts Council Missouri Folk Arts Program Missouri Arts Council Logos Creative Missouri Convening Missouri Arts Awards 2026 Missouri Arts Awards Honorees 2026-1983 Missouri Arts Awards Honorees A-Z Missouri Arts Awards 2025 Missouri Arts Awards 2024 Missouri Folk Arts Program Economic Impact of Missouri Arts Present a Touring Performer Missouri Folk Arts Program Missouri Arts Council Logos Creative Missouri Convening Missouri Arts Awards 2026 Missouri Arts Awards Honorees 2026-1983 Missouri Arts Awards Honorees A-Z Missouri Arts Awards 2025 Missouri Arts Awards 2024 Missouri Folk Arts Program Economic Impact of Missouri Arts Present a Touring Performer If you are new to receiving funds from the Missouri Arts Council, or need a refresher, here’s how to start.

The Missouri Arts Council funds art projects in most artistic disciplines that are open to the public.

A project may include, but is not limited to, the following: Performance of dance, music, opera, theatre, arts festival or arts component at a festival or fair, exhibition, literary journal, film screening, artist residencies and education programs (through Arts Education) Start by contacting the appropriate program specialist to determine if your proposed project is fundable.

Once you have registered with SmartSimple you will have access to the applications. Review the grant information in this section. FY27 Application Checklist FY26 Big Yellow School Bus Invoice FY26 Interim Report Checklist Missouri Arts Council logos Start here if you have never applied before There are a few items that must be completed before you can apply.

If you are a nonprofit, you must register with the Secretary of State’s office. If you don’t know, If you are a nonprofit, you should be a 501(c)3. If you don’t know, You will need a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

If you don’t have one, go here . Select the Get Started button. There is no charge.

For more information contact the Federal Service Desk at 866-606-8220. (Once you have registered, you will need to maintain this. Do not respond to third parties offering to help you renew.

Make sure renewal notifications come from a government email.) You will need to register on our grant application website: SmartSimple . On that page, look for How to Register.

If your organizational budget is over $1,000,000, you will need an audit. Lucky you! This can be completed after you apply and before you get your funding in the fall.

Look further down this page and you’ll find a tab The Missouri Arts Council, a state agency, provides funding to nonprofit organizations and public agencies through grants that support arts programming in Missouri.

We are dedicated—as public leader, partner, and catalyst—to broadening the growth, availability, and appreciation of the arts in Missouri and fostering the diversity, vitality, and excellence of Missouri’s communities, economy, and cultural heritage. We provide grants that meet our strategic goals: – Engage people in meaningful arts experiences – Grow Missouri’s economy using the arts – Strengthen Missouri education through the arts.

To be eligible to apply for Missouri Arts Council funding, an organization must fulfill these two requirements: 1) Be tax-exempt as determined by the Internal Revenue Service and incorporated in Missouri as a not-for-profit corporation.

You must maintain not-for-profit status by filing the annual or biennial registration report with Missouri Secretary of State’s office and annually filing Form 990 with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) . Be a unit of federal or local government, such as a library, university, county, or municipal agency. 2) Conduct the proposed project in Missouri.

This may include organizations like the following: Arts organizations, Arts education organizations, Community arts organizations, Social service organizations, Faith-based organizations, Youth organizations.

Government agencies, Parks, Libraries, School (public and private nonprofit), Colleges and Universities The following entities are not eligible to apply for Missouri Arts Council funding: organizations (in operation less than a year). New and emerging arts organizations must consult with the Missouri Arts Council before applying. Emerging groups need time and assistance to develop their mission and create effective events and programs.

– Nonprofit organizations with foreign incorporation with the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office. Exception: Organizations that were previously funded may continue to be funded if they maintain a Missouri-based location and majority-Missouri board.

– For-profit organizations (including B Corporations) – Nonexempt nonprofit organizations What makes a strong application Establishing high quality arts experiences for your audience Creating strong community impact with your programs Engaging underserved community members Ensure program is accessible to all Collaborating with others in the community Assessing your programs to learn and improve Express Grants vs. Annual Grants Missouri Arts Council funding is available through the Express and Annual Grants.

While both support arts programming, there are key differences in terms of deadline schedule, review time, matching requirements, and time required to prepare the application and support material. Express Grants are designed for first-time applicants to the Missouri Arts Council, shorter projects, smaller budget projects, or applicants that did not have access to the Annual Grant.

Express Grants have a simpler application, more flexible deadline schedule, a quick turnaround, and a maximum request of $4,000. They require no match and receive 100% funding if the score is 75% or greater. Express Grants deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling deadline, by the first Monday of the month that is at least two months before the project event date (or project incurs expenses, whichever occurs first).

If the first Monday falls on a holiday, the deadline will be Tuesday. For example, if the project expenses will start in May 2026 for a June 2026 performance, then the latest the application can be submitted is by the first Monday of March 2026. We encourage early submissions to support advance planning and ensure funding availability.

Annual Grants are designed for experienced Missouri Arts Council applicants with large-budget arts projects. The annual application is extensive and more demanding, with a rigid deadline schedule, a more competitive review process, and a longer turnaround. While the request amount is higher, organizations receive a smaller percentage of their request based on our funding.

Annual Grants deadlines: Optional draft application by the last Monday in January. The final application is habitually due by the last Monday in February. For FY2027 Annual Grants, the application deadline is Monday, February How to start as a previous applicant Determine whether it is an on or off year for your discipline.

Previous applicants should begin by reviewing prior applications and any panel comments you have received. Contact your program specialist and begin the proper May more than one organization apply together? No. Funding requires a contractual agreement with a legally-bound organization.

While one organization is legally contracted, you may collaborate with others who cannot get funding from MAC for the same project. You may credit May we submit a multi-year application? We cannot accept a multi-year application.

There is no commitment to funding in advance, and the funds received each year may only fund that fiscal year.

Missouri Arts Council provides Operating Support Grants through the following grant programs: Arts Council–Operating Support, Established Institutions, and Mid-Sized Arts Organizations Allowable expenses for operating support grants include but not limited to the following: – Salary support, full or partial, for one or more staff positions, including fringe benefits – Fees and stipends for artists and/or contractual personnel to support the services they provide for specific activities – Facilities costs, including rent, mortgage (principal only), utilities, security, insurance, and cleaning services – Marketing and promotion costs related to the project Requirements for MAC-funded projects Projects that receive Missouri Arts Council funding must meet these requirements: Be open to the general public Projects that receive Missouri Arts Council funding must have a public presentation within the fiscal year of the award.

Examples include exhibitions, publications, screenings, lectures, or performances. All public presentations must be open and accessible to the general public and do not have to be free. Be accessible to all persons with disabilities MAC-funded programs must be accessible to persons with disabilities.

Adequate accessibility includes timely notice of the event, space for disabled persons, proper scheduling to allow for the greatest number of persons to attend, adequate parking, and signage. For accessibility assistance, contact Arts & Health Specialist Piper Hutson, piper. hutson@ltgov.

mo. gov or 314-244-8933 Fulfill contractual obligations Grant recipients will sign a contract obligating the organization to responsibilities that accompany these funds.

Missouri Arts Council will take the necessary action to rescind the awards of grant recipients that fail to comply with the contractual requirements: Recognize Missouri Arts Council funding Projects that receive Missouri Arts Council funding must prominently recognize MAC’s contribution on their organization’s website as well as all project-related news releases, brochures, flyers, banners, etc., using the Missouri Arts Council logo and this required credit line: “Financial assistance for this project has been provided by the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.

” Verbal acknowledgement should be given for events where there are no printed materials and during communications with the media. You must comply with all local, state and federal laws and regulations concerning civil and human rights and must ensure that programs, employment practices and grants are free of any discrimination based on race, color, national origin, disability, sex, or age.

Meet Fair Labor Standards No part of any Missouri Arts Council-funded project should be performed or engaged in working conditions that are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to the health and safety of the employees engaged in such project. Compliance with the state’s safety and sanitary laws is to take place.

All professional performers and related or supporting professional personnel employed on Missouri Arts Council-funded projects must be paid at least minimum compensation as determined by the U.S. Secretary of Labor to be the prevailing minimum compensation for persons employed in a similar activity. Maintain records for review Grant recipients are responsible for the accounting of funds awarded to them.

Financial records are subject to audit or review by MAC, the state of Missouri, and/or federal government. This may include all receipts, obligations, and disbursements of grant and matching monies. Records must be available for four years after the completion of the funded project.

Requirements for federal-funded projects The Missouri Arts Council often uses a portion of its National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Partnership to support grants in these grant categories: Arts Council – Operating Support Mid-Sized Arts Organizations The grant agreement documents if you have received federal funds. Grantees that receive these funds are bound by requirements stipulated by the National Endowment for the Arts .

Listed below are common unallowable costs for grants supported with federal funds. The complete list is – Project costs supported by any other federal funding. This includes federal funding received directly from a federal agency or indirectly from a pass-through organization.

– Awards to individuals or organizations to honor or recognize achievement – Cash reserves and endowments – Commercial (for-profit) enterprises or activities, including concessions, food, T-shirts, artwork, or other items for resale. Unallowable costs include associated costs, such as staff.

– Entertainment and social activities, such as receptions, parties, and community gatherings, and associated costs (such as food, supplies, catering, alcoholic beverages, planning, and staffing) – Development staff, contractors for fundraising purposes, and retail workers (such as gift shop employees and café workers), as well as costs associated with general fundraising for your organization – Rent for home office workspace Recognize National Endowment for the Arts funding Acknowledgment of the National Endowment for the Arts must be prominently displayed in all materials and announcements for the federally-funded project only.

Use the NEA logo and credit line: “This project is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. ” The National Endowment for the Arts should not be included in lists of donors that are not specific to the supported project or appear beyond the project period dates.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, provides that no otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States shall, solely by reason of his/her disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance (29 USC 794).

Access should be integrated into all facets and activities of an organization, from day to day operations to long range goals and objectives. Access accommodations and services should be given a high priority and funds should be available for these services. All organizations are legally required to provide reasonable and necessary accommodations for staff and visitors with disabilities.

A staff member should be designated to serve as a 504 coordinator. Section 504 self-evaluation must be on file at your organization. The compliance and supporting documentation should be kept on file for a period of four years after the completion of the Missouri Arts Council-funded project.

Accessibility resources, including the Section 504 Self Evaluation Workbook and Design for Accessibility: A Cultural Administrator’s Handbook, are available on the NEA’s website . Grant recipients must comply with requirements regarding debarment and suspension in Subpart C of 2 CFR 180, as adopted by the NEA in 2 CFR 32. 3254, and Executive Order 12549.

Grant recipient certifies that neither it nor its principals are presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in any federal program. Failure to comply may result in the debarment or suspension of the grantee and the National Endowment for the Arts suspending, terminating and/or recovering funds.

Which category to apply in In some cases, an organization may be eligible for more than one discipline. If you have difficulty determining which category is optimal, contact the program specialist. The Missouri Arts Council funds art projects in most artistic disciplines that are open to the public.

A project may include the following: – Performance of dance, music, opera, and/or theatre (single performance or series) – Arts festival or arts component at festival or county fair – Exhibition or exhibition series – Literary journal publication – Film screening, festival, or series – Artist residencies (through Arts Education) – Education programs (through Arts Education) Missouri Arts Council funds may be used for the following costs.

All expenses must be related to the MAC-funded project.

– Salaries and wages for employees working directly on the project – Venue or facilities rental – Travel costs, including transportation, lodging, and subsistence– Marketing and promotion costs – Accessibility accommodations (for example, sign-language interpretation, audio description) – Artistic production and presentation costs, licensing, design sets and scenery, costumes, consumable supplies, and technical expenses – Equipment rental (not purchase) – Evaluation services and documentation (photo, video, audio, pre/post surveys, etc.) Missouri Arts Council assistance cannot be used to fund the following items.

– Programs occurring before or after the fiscal year in which it was funded – Direct aid to individuals, including scholarships or fellowships – Projects that have already occurred – Projects outside the state of Missouri – Basic operating expenses such as rent and utilities, unless directly related to the arts project the organization is presenting – Youth productions; however, we will consider funding the adult artistic professionals (including tech) that support the public performance – Projects that are not primarily arts activities but are essentially recreational, rehabilitative or therapeutic – Costs of parties, receptions, fundraising benefits and other social activities – Transportation of audiences to projects except in projects supported by Big Yellow School Bus – Projects in which school, college or university course credit is the primary purpose – Projects of faculty members of college or university applicants – Non-expendable supplies and equipment (for example, copy machines, building supplies, and musical instruments) (Props, costumes, rented equipment, etc. are considered expendable items.)

– Organizations that also receive State of Missouri appropriations for projects that could be funded by MAC, including, but not limited to, programs, education, performances, and exhibits. – State funds cannot be matched with state funds. This includes programs receiving funding through Mid-America Arts Alliance that use state funds from the Missouri Arts Council.

– Exhibitions in which only associates of the organization—students, faculty, and/or members—are eligible to exhibit. – Submissions that do not meet the minimum viewing hours. Exhibition projects must meet the minimum exhibition viewing hours of 16 hours during the week and six hours during weekends or evenings (after 5 p.

m.) The exhibition viewing hours must be published in promotional materials.

– Commissions and acquisitions of permanent works in the visual arts – Historical re-enactments – Research projects on historical folk arts no longer practiced in Missouri – Archival or restoration projects – Publications whose sole purpose is to market commercial enterprises – Permanent acquisitions (for example, buildings or land) – Capital improvements, new construction, renovation or restoration – Investment or contingency funding (for example, accounts earning interest) These policies are adopted by the Missouri Arts Council board and subject to change without advance notice.

Please contact your program specialist or Michael Donovan, executive director, if you have any questions about these Applications that are late or incomplete (missing required answers, attachments or support material) will not be considered for funding. We reserve the right to remove materials that do not comply with application requirements.

Funding Priorities Policy The Missouri Arts Council uses public funds to effect strategic goals as part of our mission to support the state with the arts. As such, we will prioritize funding organizations and projects that advance these strategies – The primary purpose of the project must be artistic or related to the arts ability to strengthen individuals and communities. – The project must be inclusive of Missouri citizens.

– MAC’s intention is to support creative expression of art and performance without endorsing or supporting a particular faith, creed, or political ideology. Emerging Arts Organizations New and emerging arts organizations need time and assistance to develop their mission and create effective events and programs. We encourage emerging groups to consult with MAC before requesting funds.

Organizations may seek funding a minimum a year after nonprofit status, or until they have demonstrated programs to evaluate. Nothing in this policy would preclude MAC from funding a strategic initiative with a Partnership, chair, or executive MAC does not fund art courses unless they are predominately serving a population that lacks access to arts programs due to geography, economics, ethnicity, or disability.

Organizations requesting support for art courses must demonstrate that the majority of the target audience qualify as an underserved population according to Missouri Arts Council’s definition. Missouri Arts Council funds may be used for master classes and workshops as an ancillary activity of a funded project.

Missouri Arts Council supports projects that provide in-depth knowledge and skills in the arts in PK-12 schools and community settings through Missouri Arts Council’s Arts Education Artists-in-Residence and Out-of-School grant programs. Grant Writer Compensation Grantees may not pay a grant writer or fundraiser (or someone acting in that capacity) compensation based on a percentage of a grant award or contingent upon award of a grant.

Missouri Arts Council will not approve more than one grant toward a particular project during a funding year. If more than one organization is collaborating on a MAC-funded project, only one organization may include it in their grant application, interim report, and final report. Missouri Arts Council does not fund projects using fiscal agents.

Funding is not guaranteed from year to year. Organizations must submit project proposals for panel review/recommendation and Missouri Arts Council board approval every year. Funding is based on the strength of the grant proposal (in terms of the evaluation criteria) as well as the organization’s past performance.

Missouri Arts Council will not approve more than one grant award to a particular project during any funding year. While it is the Missouri Arts Council’s goal to fund programs that are of high quality, we believe that applicants cannot be measured by a single standard of quality. A high quality performance in one area of the state may not be considered to be of high quality in another area.

Missouri Arts Council encourages and rewards the achievement of quality. The Missouri Arts Council recognizes that there are a great variety of cultural traditions in the state. We encourage the presentation and expansion of art forms to include these cultures.

The Missouri Arts Council believes that artists should be compensated for their artistic expertise and services rendered. MAC staff and panelists will advise the Council regarding appropriate compensation. Employment of Missouri Artists The Missouri Arts Council encourages the employment of artists who are Missouri residents.

However, we strive toward a balance in funding the development of Missouri artists and providing Missouri residents with the opportunity to experience artists from outside the state. Annual Missouri Arts Council grants must be matched on a one-to-one basis. (Exception: Partnership match varies.

Express Grants don’t require a match.) The matching funds must come from other cash revenue sources (for example, ticket sales, concessions, program ads, local government grants, and corporate, foundation, or private support). MAC awards cannot be matched with state funding.

Awards funded by MAC’s National Endowment for the Arts grant cannot be matched with federal funding. The match is not determined until you receive your award notification in July. You will consider your ability to match it, and whether you may need to release what you cannot match.

You may apply for more than one grant You may apply for more than one grant under these circumstances: If you received an Annual Grant or Express Grant: An additional grant application is allowed for Touring (Community) or Arts Education (Express or Annual) If you received a Mid-Sized Arts Organizations Annual Grant An additional grant application is allowed for Arts Education (Express or Annual) Recipients of Established Institutions Annual Grants may not apply for any other grant.

Schools may also apply for School Touring or Big Yellow School Bus as part of their two grants. Partnership grants do not count towards your grant limit. When do we submit a budget and what should it include?

We have simplified budget submission, depending on the which part of the annual cycle you are in. Regardless of application, you will see a full expense and income form. No matter whether it is your request or the match, it must be eligible expenses.

If this is your on-year application, you need only complete the amount of expenses up to your request. The only income line to complete is the Missouri Arts Council request. They do not need to balance.

When you receive your award, you will complete the expense with the amount you received AND the exact match. The income must balance the expenses. When you complete your Final Report after the project is completed, you will complete the actual expenses and the actual income and they do not have to match.

Be sure to include enough detail on your expenses to give panelists a full picture. Include information that helps determine why and how the cost is necessary. For example, in allocating salaries, determine what portion of How much funding to request Most grant applications have a maximum request, from $500 and up.

Express Grants are $3,000 – $5,000. Annual grants allow up to $40,000 and we strongly suggest you request it, even if you cannot match it now, ask for it. Even if you are sure you cannot match it later, ask for it.

Here’s why: the biggest determinate of what you receive is what you request. In order to not diminish the request for smaller organizations with smaller budgets, we are deferring the match requirement to when you receive the award, rather than reduce your request before it is awarded and matched. You may not receive more than 50% of your expenses.

When might you not request the full $40,000? : if it is problematic for your organization or board. But it will still affect your final award.

If it is your off-year application, the same amount your requested previously and the same score will be automatically used. Programs for colleges and universities Colleges and Universities may apply for Missouri Arts Council funding. Their programs must be marketed and accessible to the general public in addition to students, faculty, and staff.

MAC requires that at least 30% of the audience for college/university-affiliated programs come from the general public. Accessibility for programs occurring on the college/university campus includes, but is not limited to, providing adequate signage directing the general public to the space and providing parking for off-campus visitors during the performance, exhibition hours, or arts activity.

MAC will not accept applications for projects in which course credit is the primary purpose. MAC will not accept proposals for projects of faculty members of college/university applicants. College Application Limit Each academic department may receive one application per fiscal year.

However, when the department includes more than one artistic discipline, MAC will accept one application for each artistic discipline per fiscal year. For example, the Theater and Dance department may submit two applications—one for Dance and another for Theatre. However, the University cannot submit two applications for Theatre.

For administration departments (like student affairs), MAC will accept one application per fiscal year. Please contact your Program Specialist for assistance with your budget. F&A Costs: colleges/universities may not charge a F&A cost recovery fee.

While MAC won’t pay standard F&A charges, the budget may include basic operating costs that are directly related to the arts project. In Kind Contributions: MAC’s definition of in kind is different than a university definition. MAC defines in kind donation as a donation of products or services from an individual or company outside of the university.

MAC considers contributions from different university departments as applicant cash, not in kind. State funds cannot be matched with state funds. College Applications vs. Interim/Final Report In the application, the college/university should provide all of the project expenses and income for the proposed arts project.

MAC prefers to see the relevant project expenses/income in the Interim and Final Reports. However, MAC understands that this might not be possible due to some policies about matching funds. In such cases, the college/university applicant must clearly state that the Interim/Final Report reflects the minimum budget to satisfy MAC’s matching fund requirement.

Sample text: XYZ College has decreased the Project Budget to the minimum needed to match the MAC award. Since MAC requires a one-to-one match, the college is matching the $5,000 MAC award with $5,000 in applicant cash. Although the Project Budget has been decreased to the minimum match amount, the college acknowledges that the MAC award is supporting the entire Arts Project.

MAC encourages all applicants to coordinate with the university’s grants/sponsored research office. Only one person can be the official contact person with one email address, phone number, fax, and mailing address. This is used for all correspondence.

Colleges/universities may provide additional/back up contacts for the grant For college/university, the authorizing official is the President or Board Officer. Budget: line item descriptions Organizations must provide a detailed budget when submitting the Annual or Express Application, Interim Report (annual grants), and Final Report. Total Cash Expenses and Total Cash Income must balance.

All figures will automatically be rounded to the nearest dollar. Below are descriptions for the Budget Line Items. For the Application and Interim Report, organizations provide projected budget.

For the Final Report, organizations provide actual numbers for the project expenses and income. Personnel: Expenses for staff positions only (full or part time). Include employees whose wages are subject to federal income tax withholding and receive a W-2.

Temporary or contract help should be provided under Outside Fees and Services (Artistic or Other). – Personnel, Administrative – Personnel, Technical/Production Outside Fees and Services: Expenses for temporary or contract help who receive an IRS Form 1099.

Staff positions (full or part time) should be provided under Personnel (Administrative, – Outside Artistic Fees and Services – Outside Other Fees and Services Space Rental: You may not include rental costs if you own the venue. Travel: All costs directly related to the travel of an individual or individuals and specifically identified with the project.

Include fares, hotel and other lodging expenses, food, taxis, gratuities, per diem payments, toll charges, mileage, allowances on personal vehicles, car rental costs, etc. For trucking, shipping, or hauling expenses see Remaining Operating Expenses. Marketing: All costs for marketing/publicity/promotion specifically identified with the project.

Do not include payments to individuals or firms that belong under Personnel or Outside Fees and Services. Include costs of newspaper, radio and television advertising, printing and mailing of brochures, flyers and posters, food, drink and space rental when directly connected to promotion, publicity or advertising. For fundraising expenses, see Remaining Operating Expenses.

Remaining Operating Expenses: All expenses not entered in other categories and specifically identified with the project.

These include fundraising expenses, scripts and scores, lumber and nails, electricity, telephone, storage, postage, interest charges, photographic supplies, publication purchases, sets and props, food consumed on premises, equipment rental, insurance fees, nonstructural renovations or improvements, security and trucking, shipping and hauling expenses.

Admissions: Revenue derived from the sale of admissions, tickets, subscriptions, memberships, etc. for events attributed or prorated to the project. Do not put booth rental fees here (include Contracted Services Revenue: Revenue derived from fees earned through the sale of services.

Include the sale of workshops, etc. to other community organizations, out-of-state fees, government contracts for specific services, performance or residency fees, tuition, etc. Corporate Support: Cash support derived from contributions given for this project by businesses, corporations and corporate foundations, or a proportionate share of such contributions allocated to this project.

Foundation Support: Cash support derived from grants given for this project by private foundations, or a proportionate share of such grants allocated to this project. Other Private Support: Cash support derived from cash donations given for this project or a proportionate share of general donations allocated to this project. Do not include corporate, foundation, or government contributions and grants.

Include gross proceeds from fundraising events. (Funds from united arts funds, such as the Allied Arts Council of St. Joseph, should be entered on this line.)

Government Support, Local: Cash support derived from grants or appropriations