Scheme to Provide Grant in Aid to Cultural Organization (Maintenance/ Regular Grants) is a Goa state scheme of the Directorate of Art and Culture. It gives money help to voluntary cultural groups so they can continue their regular cultural work and develop local artistic talent. For the financial year 2026-27, the department has released the fresh application form on the Goa government portal and extended the last date for submission to July 17, 2026.
This scheme supports registered cultural institutions like music, dance, drama and fine arts schools across Goa. Eligible groups can get a grant-in-aid as reimbursement of up to 80% of their previous year's expenditure, subject to a maximum ceiling based on the group of the institution.
Scheme to Provide Grant in Aid to Cultural Organization (Maintenance/ Regular Grants) - Introduction
Directorate of Art and Culture, government of Goa, operates this scheme to help voluntary cultural organizations continue their activities without money problems. The scheme covers regular maintenance expenses of cultural institutions, so artists and students keep getting training and performance opportunities.
For 2026-27, the department has issued the Maintenance Grants/Regular Grants application form. Applicants need to pay Rs. 10 as application form charges. The forms and detailed criteria are available for download on the official website www.artandculture.goa.gov.in. Organizations that applied earlier and whose cases were not considered can apply afresh.
Main aims:
- To encourage and develop cultural talent among individuals in Goa.
- To give financial support to eligible cultural organizations.
- To create a lively cultural atmosphere within the state.
- To help institutions buy required musical equipment.
Institutions that organize one-time cultural events or programmes can also look into the Scheme to Provide Special Financial Assistance for Organizing Cultural Events for separate support.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Scheme to Provide Grant in Aid to Cultural Organization (Maintenance/ Regular Grants) |
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Infra |
| State | Goa |
| Category | Sports and Culture |
| Eligible People | University / Institution |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Main Department | Art, Culture and Museums Department |
| Application Form Charges | Rs. 10 |
| Last Date for 2026-27 | Extended to July 17, 2026 |
Benefits
Eligible institutions can receive a grant-in-aid as a reimbursement covering up to 80% of their expenditure from the previous financial year. This is subject to the following maximum ceilings:
| Group | Maximum Grant Amount |
|---|---|
| Group H | ₹ 10,000 |
| Group G | ₹ 20,000 |
| Group F | ₹ 35,000 |
| Group E | ₹ 50,000 |
| Group D | ₹ 75,000 |
| Group C | ₹ 1,00,000 |
| Group B | ₹ 2,00,000 |
| Group A | ₹ 3,00,000 |
Important points:
1. Institution should bear all initial expenditures and manage its activities using its own funds during the first year.
2. Department of Art and Culture decides the final grant amount based on the scale and nature of the cultural activities the institution conducts.
Eligibility
Any cultural institution in Goa registered under the Society's Registration Act, 1860, or the Indian Trust Act is eligible. For example, if Anjali runs a small dance school registered as a society, her institution qualifies for this support.
Preference: The department gives top priority to institutions involved in cultural education, such as those providing formal training in music, dance, drama, and fine arts.
Application Process
To apply, follow the offline process described below. The application form for 2026-27 is available on the Goa government portal and can also be collected from the Directorate office.
STEP 1 - Visit the official office of the Directorate of Art and Culture, Government of Goa, located at Sanskruti Bhavan, Patto, Panaji, Goa. Forms can be obtained from the Directorate office or downloaded from the official website.
STEP 2 - Download the Maintenance Grants/Regular Grants application form for 2026-27 or collect a hard copy from the office. Pay Rs. 10 as application form charges.
STEP 3 - Fill in all mandatory sections carefully. Attach all required documents, including the ID proof of the contact person, renewed registration certificate, audited accounts and bank details.
STEP 4 - Submit the completed and signed application form along with documents to the Director or the ACO-II at the Directorate of Art and Culture. Contact the office at 0832-2404623 or via email at aco3-dac.goa@nic.in.
STEP 5 - Note the last date. For 2026-27, the Directorate of Art and Culture extended the last date for submission of application and recommendation forms to July 17, 2026. Organizations that applied earlier and whose cases were not considered can apply afresh in the next cycle.
Documents
Keep these documents ready before filling the application form. The list below matches the requirements mentioned in the 2026-27 application form:
- ID proof of the contact person (President, Secretary, or Treasurer), which is mandatory.
- Attested copy of the valid Registration certificate or Renewal certificate, which is mandatory.
- Constitution or Memorandum of the Society, required for new institutions or if any changes have occurred.
- Recommendation letter from local bodies to verify the existence of the institution, for new applicants.
- Complete list of equipment currently in possession.
- List of all Managing Committee members with their phone numbers, which is mandatory.
- Report of activities conducted during the last year, including dates, venue details, photographs, and newspaper cuttings.
- ECS statement with bank details along with a cancelled cheque bearing the institution's seal, which is mandatory.
- Utilization certificate for the previous year's grant, signed by a Chartered Accountant and authorized office bearers, which is mandatory.
- Audited financial statements for the previous year, including receipts and payments, income and expenditure reports, and a balance sheet, all certified by a Chartered Accountant in 14 font size.
References
Useful official links for this scheme are given below:
- Download Maintenance Grants/Regular Grants Application Form 2026-27
- View Official Scheme Page on Art and Culture Website
- Press Release on Extended Last Date
- Citizen Charter of Art and Culture Department
FAQ's
Can you tell me more about the utilization certificate?
The utilization certificate officially proves how you used last year's grant. It should be signed by your Chartered Accountant and office bearers before submission.
How does the department decide my grant amount?
Department of Art and Culture reviews the nature, impact, and scale of your planned cultural activities to decide the final grant amount.
What if I am a new organization?
You should bear all expenses from your own funds during the first year of operation.
Does the scheme cover buying new equipment?
Yes, you can request financial support for purchasing musical instruments or other equipment, provided you get prior approval from the Director of Art and Culture after an assessment.
What is the highest grant amount I can receive?
The maximum amount depends on your institutional group. It ranges from ₹ 10,000 for Group H up to ₹ 3,00,000 for Group A organizations.
Do performing arts schools get priority?
Yes, institutions dedicated to cultural education like dance, music, or drama schools are given preference under this scheme.
Who qualifies for this financial aid?
Any cultural institution registered as a society under the Indian Trust Act or the Society's Registration Act of 1860 is eligible to apply.
What is the primary goal of the scheme?
The main goal is to support voluntary cultural work in Goa, help develop local talent, and make sure artists have the equipment they need.
Why are my audited accounts required?
These documents help the government verify your financial clarity and make sure the funds are managed correctly.
When do I need a Rent Valuation Certificate?
You should submit this certificate if you rent your office or performance space, as it helps decide the fair value of your premises.
Why do new institutions need a letter from local bodies?
This recommendation helps the government confirm that your organization is genuine and actively operating within your local community.
Why should I submit a list of my current equipment?
Providing this inventory allows the department to understand your current infrastructure and assess your actual need for more equipment.
What is the application form charge for 2026-27?
The application form charge is Rs. 10 for the Maintenance Grants/Regular Grants scheme for the financial year 2026-27.
What was the last date for the 2026-27 applications?
The Directorate of Art and Culture extended the last date for submission of application and recommendation forms to July 17, 2026 for the schemes implemented by the department.