Arts in Education Grant

The Arts in Education Grant is a local funding opportunity facilitated through the Arts and Humanities Council of Tuscaloosa County, with funds provided by the Community Foundation of West Alabama. This program is specifically designed to support teachers working in K-12 schools across Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, by offering modest but meaningful financial support to incorporate art-based projects within the school curriculum. The grant program reflects the funders' commitment to enriching educational experiences through artistic engagement and to fostering creativity within public and private learning environments. The grant serves a broad educational audience, not limited solely to art teachers. Any teacher employed in a Tuscaloosa County K-12 school—whether city, county, or private—is eligible to apply. Its purpose is to assist with small-scale or pilot arts initiatives, artist residencies, theatrical or musical performances, exhibits, and art components that are part of broader educational projects. Importantly, the funded projects must be of high artistic quality and directly contribute to the enrichment of the student learning experience through the arts. Funding is capped at $1,000 per grant. A 1:1 match is required, although no more than 25% of the match may be comprised of in-kind contributions. Typically, half of the awarded funds are distributed at the beginning of the project, with the remainder disbursed upon successful completion and submission of a final evaluation report. The project implementation window spans from October 1 through May 15, aligning with the academic year. All projects must be completed and evaluated by that May 15 deadline. Applications are due annually on October 1. If this date falls on a weekend, the deadline automatically shifts to the following Monday. Applicants can submit their completed materials either via email to [email protected], in person to the PARA Building at 614 Greensboro Avenue, or by mail to the Arts Council’s official address. The selection process involves a Grant Review Committee that convenes in March to evaluate submissions and provide funding recommendations to the Community Foundation of West Alabama. The final report, due within 30 days after the project concludes or by May 15 (whichever comes first), must include an evaluation of the project, receipts, financial documentation, photographs, and other relevant materials. Questions regarding the application process may be directed to Autumn Fuller, Education Director, via email or phone. The Arts in Education Grant represents a valuable resource for local educators seeking to enhance their teaching through the arts, with clear eligibility rules and a structured but accessible application process.