The National Endowment for the Arts Grants for Arts Projects program funds activities all over the United States to expose as many people as possible to the arts. The Arts Education grant is based on research that shows arts experiences help underprivileged youth overcome those disadvantages. They are more likely to succeed socially and academically.

Arts Education grants are given in three categories – Direct Learning, Professional Development, and Collective Impact. All grants require a 1:1 match of nonfederal funds for requests between $10,000 and $100,000. Part 1 is due through Grants.gov by July 6, 2023 at 11:59 PM ET. Part 2 can be submitted through the NEA Applicant Portal July 11-18, 2023 at 11:59 PM ET. Grantees will be announced in April 2024, at the earliest, and projects will begin June 1, 2024.

Eligibility

This grant is open to:

• 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations
• State and local government entities
• Federally recognized Native American Tribes

Grant Types

Direct Learning

Direct Learning grants are intended to support arts instruction, typically to youth in Pre-K through 12th grade. Funded projects should engage with participants over an extended period to increase their knowledge of different art forms and to create their own works of art. Learning should be assessed in accordance with state or national arts education standards.

There is, however, a good bit of flexibility in how Direct Learning projects can be carried out. They may take place:

• In person or virtually
• During or after school
• At school or other locations such as arts organizations, community centers, makers spaces, or juvenile detention centers
• Through the school district, arts organizations, or other agencies in partnership with artists

Professional Development

Professional Development grants fund opportunities for educators of all types and community leaders to increase their own knowledge and skills. Projects should include arts experiences and in-depth study of the subject matter. The goal is, of course, to grow their capacity to provide high quality arts instruction.

Collective Impact

Collective Impact grants fund transformative projects that provide access to and participation in the arts over the long term. These projects are large scale and involve a broader range of students such an entire school, school district, community, or state. They should also have the potential to be shared and replicated.

In the application, identify your project as Emerging or Sustaining and what phase you’re in. All phases are eligible for funding.

• Data – Data collection and presentation helps to identify inequities and inform key stakeholders of the needs that should be addressed.
• Partnership – Partners from different sectors bring different skills and knowledge to the project. It’s important that partners represent the population to be served and their needs.
• Planning – Logic models and strategic plans provide a blueprint for the project with specific goals, established roles for each partner, and shared strategies.
• Shared Measurement – A shared measurement system creates assessment tools for all partners to evaluate the success of the project.
• Programming – The final phase is the execution of the project plan including activities with students and evaluation.

Allowable Expenses

In addition to arts supplies and materials, grantees may use funds for technology upgrades necessary to provide virtual programming. This includes:

• Hardware
• Software
• Audio-visual equipment
• Increased bandwidth

Grant funds may not be used for:

• General operating support
• Publishing not focused on modern work and authors
• Social activities
• Awards
• Commercial enterprises
• Construction or renovation

Application Process

Part One

The Application for Federal Domestic Assistance/Short Organization Form must be completed and submitted to Grants.gov by July 6.

Part Two

Part 2 of the application will contain by far the majority of the information about your project plan and budget. Applicants will receive a link to the NEA Applicant Portal after they have submitted Part 1. Application questions as well as instructions on how to complete the entire application process are available to help you prepare at: Arts Education.