Arts Learning Projects Grants

The Nebraska Arts Council’s Arts Learning Project Grants support programs with a strong educational focus either in preK-12 school settings or in broader community contexts. These grants are designed to promote educational outcomes in the arts, emphasizing alignment with either local or national educational learning standards. School-based projects are expected to be integrated with educational standards in the arts, and where appropriate, across other academic disciplines. Community-based initiatives must clearly articulate and target educational learning outcomes in the arts as part of their structure. The program prioritizes initiatives that foster best practices in educational and cultural collaboration while addressing defined educational learning standards. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations that are incorporated in Nebraska and federally tax-exempt, public agencies, governmental subdivisions, and PreK-12 accredited schools. Organizations and college or university departments may apply for either one Arts Project Grant or one Arts Learning Project Grant per cycle but not both. Entities already receiving Basic Support Grants may still apply for Arts Learning Grants if the proposed project involves schools or community outreach, while those holding Annual Programs in Arts Learning (APAL) grants are ineligible. Colleges and universities must show significant public engagement beyond campus boundaries. Grant awards range from $2,000 to $15,000. Requests exceeding $7,500 are only considered for projects that are school-based and involve multiple schools or for community projects with significant multi-community outreach. All applicants must provide a one-to-one cash match for the amount requested. In-kind contributions are recognized but cannot be used to meet the matching requirement. Up to 25% of the budget may be allocated to administrative expenses tied directly to the project. Eligible costs include artist fees, travel, marketing, evaluation, teacher release time, and production or exhibition expenses. Applications are reviewed by a panel using a 100-point rubric with weighted criteria: Artistic Quality (up to 35 points), Planning and Evaluation (up to 35 points), and Outreach and Engagement (up to 30 points). The review rubric is available through the Nebraska Arts Council website. Application components include detailed project descriptions, educational goals, planning and evaluation methods, community demographics and needs, outreach strategies, and evidence of partnerships. Required uploads include work samples, artist bios, a budget form using the provided template, project timeline (narrative or visual), and letters of support from community partners. There are two annual deadlines: March 15 for projects beginning July 1 through June 30 of the following year, and October 1 for projects starting January 1 through June 30. Projects occurring over the summer may have adjusted timelines with start dates as early as June 1 and end dates as late as August 31. All applications must be submitted through the NAC’s online grant system. For additional inquiries, applicants may contact the Nebraska Arts Council at (402) 595-2122 or visit their office at 1004 Farnam Street, Lower Level, Omaha, NE 68102.