The Delaware Division of the Arts’ Education Resource Grants support partnerships between Delaware schools, arts organizations, and artists to provide standards-based arts education experiences for pre-K–12 students. Eligible projects include in-school arts programs with active student engagement, extended-time programs before or after school, and integrated arts curricula connecting the arts with other academic disciplines. These grants aim to enhance arts education in schools, bolster the capacity of arts organizations to serve educational needs, and develop programs that influence instructional methods through the arts.
Eligible applicants include Delaware-based nonprofit arts organizations focused on arts learning, Delaware public schools with established arts curricula, and school districts or consortia. Only one application per lead applicant is permitted annually, and projects cannot be used to comply with state regulations. Applications must align with Delaware Standards for Visual and Performing Arts and be submitted by March 3, 2025, through the smARTDE portal. The grant supports projects occurring between September 1, 2025, and August 31, 2026.
Allowable expenses include professional artist fees, supplies, planning pay for school staff, and substitute teachers for planning purposes. Indirect costs like transportation or pro-rated staff salaries are recognized but not used to calculate grant amounts. Capital expenditures, cash prizes, and activities outside Delaware are ineligible. Grants can fund up to 30% of direct cash expenses, capped at $20,000, requiring a 1:1 cash match.
Applications must include an organizational profile, project description, budget, résumés of teaching artists, letters of support, and assessment tools. Additional requirements apply for arts organizations not seeking General Operating Support, such as board lists and financial documents. Evaluation criteria include the quality of arts instruction, effectiveness of student assessment tools, and project management capabilities.
Grant awards are determined through a rigorous review process by the Delaware State Arts Council, with funding recommendations made in June 2025 and decisions announced after July 1, 2025. Grantees must submit final reports by September 30, 2026, to ensure compliance and eligibility for future funding. For assistance with the application process, applicants can access resources on smARTDE and contact the Division of the Arts directly.
