MCA Cultural Grants
Investing in Culture. Strengthening Community.
For 25 years, Marion Cultural Alliance (MCA) has invested in the organizations and cultural experiences that make Marion County a vibrant place to live, work, and visit.
As Marion County’s designated Local Arts Agency, MCA provides Cultural Grants to eligible nonprofit organizations presenting arts, cultural, historical, heritage, and science-based programs that benefit our community.
Since 2002, MCA has awarded more than $701,000 in Cultural Grants to local organizations.
2026-2027 Cultural Grants Recipients
MCA is proud to award $60,000 in Cultural Grants to 13 Marion County nonprofit organizations for the 2026–2027 grant cycle.
Supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), these grants help bring performances, exhibitions, festivals, educational programs, and other cultural experiences to residents and visitors throughout Marion County.
2026-2027 Grantees
- College of Central Florida – Community Partnership Schools Program
- Arts in Health Ocala Metro – Curate Your Creativity
- Public Education Foundation of Marion County – The Ocala Film Derby
- Ocala Symphony Orchestra – Disney’s Aladdin Live in Concert
- Marion All County Choir – Marion All County Choir
- Silver River Museum – Ocali Country Days
- The Reilly Arts Center – Sunshine Series
- The Marion Theatre – Marion Movie Club
- Ocala Civic Theatre – The Thanksgiving Play: Community Engagement Series
- Dance Alive – Dance About and Discovering Dance
- Fort King Heritage Foundation – Fort King Festival 2026
- Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band – 2026/2027 Concert Series
- Artify Ocala – Sustainable Wearable Art and Fabrication Initiative (The Ocala Cosplay Guild)
Interested in Applying?
MCA Cultural Grants support specific projects presented by eligible nonprofit organizations serving Marion County.
Grant awards typically range from $1,000 to $7,500 and may fund up to 50% of the total project cost.
Each year, MCA offers a Grant Workshop and a Courtesy Review Period to help organizations understand the application process and prepare competitive proposals.
Information about the next Cultural Grant cycle will be posted here as it becomes available in Spring 2027.
The Impact of Cultural Grants
MCA Cultural Grants do more than fund projects. They help nonprofit organizations pay artists, expand audiences, provide arts education, preserve and celebrate our heritage, and create meaningful cultural experiences throughout Marion County.
Through these investments, MCA works to ensure that arts and culture remain an essential part of a thriving community.
Congratulations to the recipients of MCA 2025 – 2026 Cultural Grants.
The 2026–2027 funded projects take place between September 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027.
- Silver River Museum | Ocali Country Days | $4,000
- Marion All County Choir | Marion All County Secondary Choral Festival | $4,000
- Arts in Health Ocala Metro | Super Art Series | $3,000
- The Appleton Museum of Art – The College of Central Florida | United Way Community Schools (East Marion and College Part Art) | $4,000
- Dance Alive National Ballet | 60th Anniversary Celebration | $3,000
- Reilly Arts Center | Preservation Hall Jazz Band | $2,000
- Ocala Symphony Orchestra | Music Box Series | $1,000
- Kingdom of the Sun Community Band | 2025 Concert Series | $2,000
- Public Education Foundation | Ocala Film Derby | $3,000
- Ocala Civic Theatre | Puppetry at the Ocala Civic Theatre | $4,000
The Grant Process
Each spring, the Marion Cultural Alliance announces the opening of its Cultural Grant Program, inviting Ocala/Marion County nonprofit arts, cultural, and historic organizations to apply for funding. Grants are awarded to support, enhance, and expand creative programming and initiatives that enrich our community.
With grants of up to $10,000, MCA empowers organizations to dream bigger, reach further, and create lasting impact.
Funding is available across all artistic disciplines, including music, theater, dance, visual arts, cinema, literary arts, folk arts, and photography. Historical and scientific museums are also encouraged to apply.
Applications are reviewed through a competitive process by a panel of community volunteers, chaired by MCA Emeritus Board Member Trish Kilgore. Each proposal is evaluated using criteria aligned with the Florida Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture.
Following panel review, funding recommendations are submitted to the MCA Executive Committee and Board of Directors for final approval.
Organizations approved for funding are notified after the August Board meeting, with formal grant awards presented during Applaud the Arts, MCA’s annual celebration of the arts.
Application Deadline: Submit all materials through the MCA Grant Portal by 5:00 PM on Monday, July 20, 2026
Final Report: Due within 30 days following completion of the funded project.
Grant Application
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Acknowledgement
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.
