Oklahoma Arts and the Military Grants

The Oklahoma Arts and the Military Grant program is a funding initiative launched by the Oklahoma Arts Council in 2015. This program represents a targeted effort to meet the specific needs of military-connected individuals in Oklahoma through arts engagement. The initiative is part of a broader strategic framework aimed at strengthening community ties, promoting healing, and improving quality of life for those associated with the military. Funding for this grant is provided in part by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Mid-America Arts Alliance, indicating both federal and regional support for the program's goals. The primary purpose of this grant is to support arts programming that meaningfully engages military-connected individuals. These include active-duty service members, reservists, members of the National Guard, veterans, and their immediate family members and caregivers. The grant program supports both learning-based programs—such as arts classes and workshops—and audience-based programs, like performances and exhibitions. It can also fund capacity-building efforts, including professional development, consulting services, and program development for organizations seeking to expand or initiate military-focused arts initiatives. Applicants can request up to $5,000 per grant cycle, with a 1:1 matching requirement. Up to 50% of this match may be met with in-kind support. However, funds from other Oklahoma Arts Council grants may not be used to meet this match. Eligible expenses include artistic and administrative fees, contracted services, marketing costs, and consumable supplies directly related to the proposed project. Full guidance on allowable and unallowable expenses is provided in the program’s grant guidelines. The grant is available to a variety of applicant types, including nonprofit organizations, government agencies, sovereign tribal nations, public libraries, and institutions of public education within Oklahoma. Nonprofit organizations must be incorporated within the state. The program is inclusive, permitting applicants already funded under other Oklahoma Arts Council programs to also apply for this opportunity. This flexibility helps expand access and encourages cross-program engagement across Oklahoma's arts ecosystem. Applications must be submitted at least 60 days before the planned project start date. The performance period for this funding opportunity aligns with the state fiscal year, beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026. Applicants must first verify their eligibility through the Oklahoma Arts Council’s grant portal. New applicants must register and complete a verification process, which may take up to 15 days. Once verified, applicants can complete their submissions through the Fluxx portal. Late applications will be subject to noncompliance policies. For questions related to the program content, applicants may contact Erika Wilhite, the Arts Learning in Communities Director, at [email protected] or 405-521-6280. Questions regarding grant access should be directed to [email protected], while award management inquiries can be sent to Thomas Tran, the Grants Director, at [email protected] or 405-521-2041. The program’s funding cycle follows an annual pattern, with applications accepted on a rolling basis within the performance window, making the program a recurring opportunity for Oklahoma-based organizations to engage with and support the military community through the arts.