Free Fall Baltimore Grant Program
Free Fall Grant Program
Free Fall Baltimore is a citywide celebration held in conjunction with National Arts and Humanities Month each October. Create Baltimore provides grants to individual artists, arts organizations, and venues throughout Baltimore City to produce free arts & cultural events that are open to the public. Free Fall showcases the importance accessible arts programming with free concerts, dance and theater performances, festivals, lectures, workshops, art exhibitions, special events, and more. This annual program is made possible by the generous funding support of the Maryland State Arts Council.
QUESTIONS?
Contact Barbara Hauck, Director of Arts Council Programming, at bhauck@promotionandarts.org.
Grants for Individual Artists & Small Organizations
Individual artists/creatives can apply for this grant if their event is free and open to the public and located in a public space or Baltimore City-based venue.
Small arts & cultural organizations are eligible to apply if their annual operating budget is under $300,000, the event is located in Baltimore City, and is free to the general public without contingencies.
Grant Application Timeline
- Applications open — Monday, July 14
- Free Fall info session — Wednesday, July 23, 12:00 p.m. (this session will be recorded)
- Applications close — Friday, August 15, at 11:59 p.m. EST
- Grantees notified — Friday, August 29
- Contracts and final event details due — Friday, September 12
- Marketing materials pickup at BOPA, School 33, and Bromo (hours TBD) — Tuesday, September 16; Wednesday, September 17; & Thursday, September 18
Grantees should receive funding the week of September 15, 2025. 100% of funding is dispersed to grantee pending receipt of the signed contract and additional required documents.
Apply for a Free Fall Grant
Free Fall Inclusion for Large Organizations
Larger Baltimore City-based arts & cultural organizations and event venues/spaces with operating budgets over $300,000 are not eligible to apply for grant funds; however, Create Baltimore provides an opportunity for these entities to participate in Free Fall Baltimore by promoting their events and incorporating them into the Free Fall calendar.
To be eligible to participate in Free Fall Baltimore, programs must:
- Occur within Baltimore City limits between October 1–31, 2025
- Provide outreach and access to young adults, families, and/or underserved audiences
- Be free of charge and open to the public without contingencies
- Be accessible to those who may have physical limitations, such as those who use wheelchairs, walkers, and canes
The deadline to submit an event is Friday, August 15, at 11:59 p.m. EST.
Submit Your Free Fall Event
Resources for Applicants
A clear, detailed budget for your event/program is required at the time of application. Create Baltimore understands that all applicants may not have access to sophisticated grant-writing or budget-planning resources, so we have provided a budget template in the application for applicants to download and complete.
Applicants who need additional guidance can attend the Free Fall info session, watch the info session recording, and/or make an appointment during office hours for assistance prior to the application deadline.
Free Fall Application Info Session
Wednesday, July 23, at 12:00 p.m.
Join via Google Meet: https://calendar.app.google/vckaywTBbiVmdSGK9
This info session will be recorded.
Office Hours for Application Help
By appointment only. Sign up here: https://loujoseph.youcanbook.me/
QUESTIONS?
Contact Grants, Competitions, & Exhibitions Manager Lou Joseph at ljoseph@promotionandarts.org.
Attend the Baltimore City Public Art Commission's next meeting
Explore available resources for artists in Baltimore City, including grants, art prizes, mural projects, and more.
Explore available resources for artists in Baltimore City, including grants, art prizes, mural projects, and more.
Artist Resources