A key element of MCA’s mission is supporting local arts organizations with direct funding. Cultural grants are an important means to promote excellence in the creative sector and the cornerstone of MCA’s fund-raising efforts.
The Cultural Endowment Fund was established in 2001 and was initially funded with proceeds from our community’s first ever public art initiative – Horse Fever. To date, $585,000 has been awarded to more than 48 different nonprofit art organizations. These dollars have supported more than 143 art initiatives including programming, equipment, and initiatives; and has impacted more than 395,000 individuals including seniors, veterans, persons with disabilities, students, and artists.
Congratulations to the recipients of MCA/NEA 2024-2025 Cultural Grants. MCA is proud to partner with the National Endowment for the Arts to support these organizations through its annual competitive grant process.
Each spring, MCA announces the release of the Cultural Grant Criteria and Application to the nonprofit arts community. Ocala/Marion County arts, culture, or historic nonprofit organizations are awarded grants to enhance, expand, or support their artistic or cultural endeavors.
Cultural Grants are available for all artistic disciplines, including: music, theater, dance, visual arts, cinema, literary arts, folk arts, and photography. Historical and scientific museums may also apply.
A committee of community volunteers, chaired by an MCA Board member Wendy Kerbrdle, evaluates and scores each grant utilizing the criteria provided by the Florida Department of Cultural Affairs. Following the evaluation and scoring process, the committee’s recommendations are reviewed by MCA & the Executive Committee, and presented to the Board for final review and approval.
Each art organization approved by the MCA board for funding, will be notified following the August meeting of the Board. The grants are formally awarded with a check presentation at Applaud the Arts, MCA’s annual showcase and celebration of the arts.
To apply, organizations must submit the required contents through the MCA Grant Portal by 5 pm Friday, July 18th, 2025. A final report is due no later than thirty (30) days after grant activity is completed.
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GRANTEES MUST ACKNOWLEDGE THE GRANT IN ALL PUBLICITY AND MATERIALS USING THE MCA LOGO PROVIDED AND/OR VERBIAGE LIKE: SUPPORTED IN PART BY A GRANT FROM MARION CULTURAL ALLIANCE. MCA MAY PUBLICIZE THE GRANT USING PHOTOGRAPHS FROM APPLICATIONS AND REPORTS.
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