The Arts Learning Grant from the Oregon Arts Commission provides $10,000 in funding to support high-quality projects that integrate learning in and through the arts for K-12 students. The program aims to foster collaborative engagement between professional artists and educators, offering impactful arts experiences that contribute to students' academic and personal development.
Priority is given to projects that serve Title I schools and schools located in rural or economically distressed counties in Oregon. The funding supports projects designed to respond directly to the learning needs of specific student populations, while also enhancing students’ skills, attitudes, and academic achievement through artistic engagement.
The application deadline is Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 5:00 PM. All applications must be submitted through the Oregon Arts Commission's Online Grants Portal. Awards are determined by a review panel using specific evaluation criteria and will not be disbursed until after the beginning of the federal fiscal year. Applicants should plan project timelines and budgets accordingly.
Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations with a current 501(c)(3) IRS designation, active Oregon nonprofit registration, and a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) from SAM.gov. Organizations embedded within other institutions (e.g., universities, tribal governments) may apply for an eligibility waiver. Fiscal sponsorship arrangements are not allowed.
The application is evaluated using three key review criteria: Project Quality and Responsiveness (40 points), Project Support (30 points), and Project Impact (30 points). Unallowable expenses include capital construction, entertainment or social events, endowment funding, and services delivered outside of Oregon. A detailed budget and narrative must align closely with the project goals, audience, and evaluation plans.
Technical support is available prior to the deadline, and feedback may be requested after funding decisions. Assistance is available in alternate formats and languages. Contact Tiffany Harker (Arts Education and Grants Coordinator) at tiffany.harker@biz.oregon.gov or 971-719-6169 for program-related questions. For technical help, contact Kat Bell at kat.bell@biz.oregon.gov or 971-304-5044.
