MCA Cultural Grants: 25 Years of Supporting the Arts That Shape Our Community
Supporting local arts organizations isn’t just part of MCA’s mission—it’s at the heart of everything we do. Through our Cultural Grant Program, we invest directly in the creativity, innovation, and vitality that define Ocala/Marion County’s arts community.
Powered by the Cultural Endowment Fund—established in 2001 through the legacy of Horse Fever—these grants have become a driving force for artistic excellence and community impact. To date, MCA has awarded more than $635,000 to over 42 nonprofit organizations, fueling more than 135 initiatives and enriching the lives of 385,000+ individuals, including seniors, veterans, students, artists, and families across our community.
Each spring, MCA invites nonprofit organizations to apply for funding across all artistic disciplines—from music, theater, and dance to visual, literary, and folk arts—as well as history and science-based programming. These investments spark new ideas, expand access, and bring meaningful cultural experiences to life.
A dedicated panel of community leaders and arts advocates carefully evaluates each application, ensuring that funded projects reflect both artistic excellence and community impact. Final awards are approved by MCA’s Board of Directors and celebrated at Applaud the Arts, our signature annual event honoring the power of the arts in our community.
With grants of up to $10,000, MCA empowers organizations to dream bigger, reach further, and create lasting impact.
4 Friends Grant Fund
Established by MCA as a permanent endowment, the Four Friends Grant Fund generates income to support occasional, one-time grant requests that fall outside the timeline or scope of MCA’s annual Cultural Grant awards.
The fund honors the leadership legacy of four remarkable community leaders: Jim Copeland, Mack Dunwoody, E.L. Foster, and a fourth friend who wished to remain anonymous. Through their care, vision, words, and deeds, these friends helped shape Ocala and Marion County across many institutions and generations.
Known for their generosity and willingness to support worthy causes, E.L., Jim, and Mack were affectionately nicknamed “the Three Musketeers” for their reputation of coming to the rescue when the community needed them most—including in the early days of what would become Marion Cultural Alliance.
Together, the Four Friends represent a powerful example of civic leadership, open-minded support for new ideas, and a shared commitment to improving quality of life in our community.
The Four Friends Grant Fund was launched in 2019. Requests of up to $1,500 may be submitted online at any time.
Megan Boone Grants for Performing Arts
The Laurie D. Reeder Grant for Performing Arts
& The Nancy A. Atkinson Grant for Music
Actress and Director Megan Boone was raised in The Villages and graduated from Belleview High School in 2001. Boone established the “Megan Boone Grants for the Performing Arts”, with Marion Cultural Alliance, in honor of Laurie D. Reeder and Nancy A. Atkinson, two arts educators who made a difference in Boone’s life. Each year, Boone will award a total of $6,500: $4,000 for a Theatre Educator and $2,500 divided between three students.