Cultural Arts Board Event Sponsorship Guidelines

To further its mission to preserve, enhance, and promote the culture of Harford County, Maryland, the Harford County Cultural Arts Board (HCCAB) may provide sponsorship support for arts, cultural, heritage, and community events that benefit Harford County residents and visitors.
Sponsorships are intended for special circumstances in which a proposed event, activity, or organization is not eligible for funding through an existing HCCAB grant program. Applicants are encouraged to review all available HCCAB grant opportunities before submitting a sponsorship request. Sponsorship requests will only be considered when the proposed activity does not qualify for an existing grant program or when unique circumstances warrant Board consideration.

Availability of Funds
Sponsorship requests are subject to the availability of funds and approval by the Harford County Cultural Arts Board. Submission of a request does not guarantee funding. The Board reserves the right to approve, deny, or modify any sponsorship request.

Eligibility
Eligible applicants include:
• Nonprofit organizations with IRS tax-exempt status
• Government agencies
• Educational institutions
• Community organizations partnering with a nonprofit fiscal sponsor
• Organizations conducting arts, cultural, heritage, or educational events that serve Harford County residents

Applicants seeking sponsorship support must demonstrate that the proposed event or activity is not eligible under an existing HCCAB grant program. The Board may require applicants to explain why the request cannot be accommodated through a current grant opportunity.

Organizations that are eligible for and able to apply through an existing HCCAB grant program may be directed to the appropriate grant process instead of receiving sponsorship consideration.

Eligible Activities
Sponsorship requests may be considered for:
• Arts and cultural festivals
• Exhibitions and performances
• Heritage and historical programs
• Community arts events
• Educational arts programming
• Special events that promote access to arts and culture in Harford County

Application Requirements
Organizations seeking sponsorship must submit a written request that includes:

1. Event Information
   • Event name
   • Date, time, and location
   • Event flyer, brochure, or promotional materials (if available)
2. Organizational Information
   • Organization name
   • Mission statement
   • Contact person and contact information
   • Proof of nonprofit status, if applicable
3. Event Description
   • Purpose and goals of the event
   • Description of planned activities
   • Explanation of how the event aligns with HCCAB's mission
4. Community Impact
   • Target audience
   • Estimated attendance
   • Geographic area served
   • Description of community benefit
5. Sponsorship Request
   • Amount requested
   • Sponsorship opportunities and levels available
   • Benefits and recognition offered to sponsors
   • Deadline for sponsorship commitment
6. Budget Information
   • Event budget summary
   • Other confirmed or anticipated funding sources
   

Evaluation Criteria
The Board may consider the following factors when reviewing requests:
• Alignment with HCCAB's mission
• Benefit to Harford County residents and visitors
• Artistic, cultural, educational, or heritage value
• Community impact and audience reach
• Financial need and availability of funds
• Visibility and recognition provided to HCCAB
• Organizational capacity to successfully conduct the event

Award Conditions
Organizations receiving sponsorship support are required to:
• Acknowledge the Harford County Cultural Arts Board as a sponsor in promotional materials, when feasible
• Submit photographs, attendance information, or a brief summary following the event
• Use sponsorship funds only for the approved event or activity

Funding Limits
Sponsorship amounts will be determined by the Board based on available funding, the nature of the request, and the anticipated community impact of the event.
Questions regarding sponsorship requests may be directed to the Harford County Cultural Arts Board at [email protected].

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​​Grants and programs of Harford County Cultural Arts Board made possible through an annual County Arts Development Grant from Maryland State Arts Council, an agency of the State of Maryland under the authority of the Department of Commerce, Division of Tourism, Film and the Arts

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FY25 Grant Recipients

FY24 Grant Recipients

​FY23 Grant Recipients

FY22 Grant Recipients

​FY21 Grant Recipients
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FY20 Grant Recipients

FY19 Grant Recipients

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