EXPRESS GRANTS
Express Grants are designed to encourage small and emerging arts organizations and organizations based in rural communities to seek financial assistance for arts activities.
Express Grants applications are accepted and award amounts are determined on a rolling basis throughout the year. We are currently accepting applications for Express Project and Express Touring programs for FY2026 (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026). The maximum request amount is $4,000, and no matching funds are required.
The deadline for applications is 11:59 p.m. on the first Monday of the month, two months before the month in which the project will have expenses. If the first Monday is a holiday, the deadline
shifts to Tuesday. Examples: #1) If your project is for one single event, that for instance costs money in October, we need your application by the first Monday in August. #2) If you have a series of events that for instance
start in October, we need your application by the first Monday in August for the entire series to be considered.
We encourage organizations to apply early, since funding is limited.
FY2026 Express Grants Questions and Supplemental Materials
Questions
We’re excited to begin your Project/Program/Performance review! To help us gain a better understanding of your work, we have prepared some questions that will assist in our review process. Please take a moment to reflect on these questions and share your insights in your answers on your application. Let’s get started!
– Describe the project for which MAC funds are requested.
– How will MAC funds be used?
– Explain the artistic parts of the project. This includes the program content, the approach to performances, and how the artistic vision and quality are presented.
– Who are the artists involved, and why did you select them for this project?
– What are the qualifications of the people leading the project and presenting the arts?
– What is the project’s estimated audience?
– How will you attract the public to the project?
– How does the project benefit the community and impact audiences?
(Consider showing how the project benefits the community. This could include outreach efforts, partnerships with community groups, increased arts accessibility, economic impact, or limited access to arts programs or specific artistic needs.)
– How do you make the project accessible to any participants?
(Consider the physical, sensory, and cognitive needs of your participants. Review the Access Service Options Best Practices on
our Funding Starts Here page. For additional information, contact Arts & Health Specialist Piper Hutson,
piper.hutson@ltgov.mo.gov, 314-244-8933, 800-735-2966 TDD.)
– If your operating figures for the last fiscal year reflected a deficit, how did this occur, and how was it addressed? If not, type N/A.