Arts Learning Grant Program

The Arts Learning Grant Program is administered by the Oregon Arts Commission, a state agency dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Oregonians through support of arts, creativity, and cultural development. The Commission works in partnership with state and federal funding sources, including the National Endowment for the Arts, to support arts initiatives that contribute to educational outcomes, economic vitality, and equitable access to creative opportunities. This grant program specifically focuses on advancing arts education for K-12 students through collaborative partnerships between nonprofit arts organizations and educational institutions. The primary purpose of the Arts Learning Grant Program is to fund high-quality arts learning projects that provide meaningful educational experiences for K-12 students across Oregon. These projects must be co-created by nonprofit arts organizations and school educators to ensure alignment with student learning needs and educational goals. The program emphasizes sequential arts learning opportunities that enhance student achievement, skills, and attitudes, while also fostering a reciprocal exchange of knowledge between professional teaching artists and educators. Priority is given to projects serving Title 1 schools, rural communities, and economically distressed areas. Funding under this program is provided as a fixed award amount of 10000 dollars per project. All awarded funds must be matched dollar-for-dollar through a combination of earned revenue, contributed funds, or in-kind support. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate strong financial commitment from additional sources, as this strengthens competitiveness. Funds may be used for project-related costs including artist fees, materials, and program delivery, but may not be used for fundraising events, activities outside Oregon, tuition or scholarships for degree programs, or activities outside the designated funding period. Indirect costs are allowed but should not exceed ten percent to remain competitive. Eligibility is restricted to nonprofit arts organizations operating in Oregon that meet specific requirements, including holding current 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt status, maintaining active nonprofit registration with the State of Oregon, and possessing a valid Unique Entity Identifier. Organizations must apply in partnership with a K-12 educator, school, or district, and projects must clearly identify a student learning need. Entities without independent nonprofit status may apply for an eligibility waiver under certain conditions, though organizations using a fiscal sponsor are not eligible. The Oregon Arts Commission retains final authority on eligibility determinations. The application process requires submission through the Oregon Arts Commission’s online grants portal by the stated deadline. Applicants must prepare detailed responses addressing project quality, support, and impact, including narrative descriptions, organizational mission, and a structured budget form. Review criteria are clearly defined and include project quality and responsiveness, project support and capacity, and anticipated project impact on student learners. Each category is scored on a ten-point scale, and applications are evaluated by a panel of professionals with relevant expertise. Key dates for the funding cycle include an application deadline of May 14, 2025 at 5:00 pm, with an activity period running from September 1, 2025 through August 31, 2026. Award payments are typically disbursed after October 1, following the start of the federal fiscal year and completion of any outstanding reporting requirements. The program is recurring annually, with future guidelines and deadlines announced on a yearly basis. Applicants may contact program staff for technical or programmatic assistance prior to submission, and support is available in multiple formats to ensure accessibility.