The Grit Fund, administered by The Contemporary, provides grants in amounts between $1,000–$6,000, totaling $50,000 annually. The fund supports unincorporated and collaborative artist-organized activity that contributes significantly to Baltimore’s arts landscape but seldom qualifies for traditional funding. Established with generous support from The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, the Grit Fund expands Warhol’s Regional Regranting Program to the Mid-Atlantic, encouraging projects that generate opportunities and create platforms for artists to engage with each other and with the public. Funded activities could include but are not limited to: exhibitions, publications, public events, public art, film screenings, the ongoing work of an existing arts venue or collective, and the founding of a new arts venue or collective. To apply, or for more information, please visit gritfund.org.
Are you wondering if you’re eligible for the Grit Fund? Is this your first time submitting a grant? Do you have questions about the budget or taxes? Please download our comprehensive Grit Fund packet—found here—for information session details, eligibility requirements, and other frequently asked questions. Or feel free to email us at gritfund@contemporary.org with your questions, comments, or concerns.
In 2015, the inaugural round of Grit Fund received over 80 applications and awarded $50,000 to 10 projects with grants ranging from $3,200 to $6,000. The fund supported art spaces, series, podcasts, and events including Art Royalty Music Video Production & Listening Party; bb: Interdisciplinary Arts Space & Lecture Series; Conversations: A BmoreArt Podcast Series; Exhibitions; Exittheapple Artspace, Capacity Expansion; Hyrsteria; Open Space; Sight Unseen presents New Experimental Works; Skatenight Showcase and Exhibit; and Throwing a Stone.