Harford County arts group awards grants to nonprofits for FY26

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The Harford County Cultural Arts Advisory Board announced it has awarded community arts development grants to 25 local nonprofits for fiscal year 2026.

According to the advisory board, the grants offer two types of funding: general operating support for nonprofit arts organizations in Harford County and arts programming funding for nonprofits located in or serving the county.

As the official county arts agency, HCCAAB functions under the auspices of the Harford County Public Library Board of Library Trustees. The government-appointed group has been around for more than 50 years and provides grant funding, sponsors workshops, events and promotional opportunities, encouraging the advancement of the arts in Harford County.

The grant amount totaled nearly $150,000, according to HCCAAB’s website.

“A life well-lived is deeply enriched by the presence and influence of the arts. The Harford County Cultural Arts Advisory Board plays a key role in helping to preserve, enhance and promote the arts in our community, and we are grateful for their expertise,” Harford County Public Library CEO Mary Hastler said. 

“This year’s Community Arts Development Grants support a wide range of nonprofits and arts programming, which contributes to making Harford County a wonderful place to live, work and play.”

Grant recipients for general operating support include organizations like the Harford Ballet Company, Susquehanna Symphony Orchestra, Tidewater Players and Harford Artists’ Association Inc.

Awardees for arts programming funding included the Bel Air Recreation Committee, Ladew Topiary Gardens and Harford Community College, among others.

The arts advisory boards also offer education grants to support youth and other disadvantaged groups throughout the county.

“The arts play an important role in the vitality of Harford County, and HCCAAB is proud to work in partnership with these stellar nonprofits to ensure ongoing access to the arts for our local communities,” said Meg McReynolds, HCPL’s cultural arts and community outreach coordinator.

“These grants provide critical funding for nonprofits to support their ongoing operations and to provide arts experiences such as plays, concerts and dance performances for audiences of all ages.”