Arts in Education Grant

The Arts in Education Grant is an initiative led by the Hernando County Fine Arts Council, delivered in collaboration with the Hernando County Education Foundation. This grant is designed to support certified visual and performing arts teachers within Hernando County by funding classroom art projects throughout the 2025–2026 school year. The program exists to further the Council’s mission to encourage, promote, and showcase the creative arts for the benefit of K–12 students across the region. Teachers may apply for support for either fall or spring projects, and each school may submit only one application for visual arts and one for performing arts annually. Eligible applicants include certified visual or performing arts teachers employed at public, private, or charter schools in Hernando County. In schools where no arts program exists, a school administrator, principal, or director may apply on the school’s behalf. Nonprofit organizations are not eligible and are instead directed to seek support through the Council’s separate Community Arts Grant program. Applications must be submitted electronically by email to the specified contact and must include the administrator’s electronic signature. Handwritten applications are not accepted. Funding provided through the grant must be used solely for approved project expenses and requires accompanying receipts or invoices for reimbursement. Allowable expenditures include equipment and supplies for classroom use, travel expenses such as bus transportation for students, student admissions, professional development for teachers, and services such as workshops led by resident artists. However, funds may not be used for advertising, administrative or operating expenses, capital improvements, infrastructure, one-on-one or VIP entertainment, political or religious advocacy, or food and beverages. All unapproved or undocumented expenditures are disallowed. Applicants are required to secure partnerships with community or business sector partners directly related to the project activities. A Partnership Agreement Statement must accompany each application, with exceptions requiring approval from the HCEF Executive Director. For projects involving technology purchases, the application must include an approved Hernando County School Board Mobile Device Purchase Request form. Additionally, all printed materials associated with the project must credit the Hernando County Fine Arts Council appropriately. Applications will be evaluated based on alignment with the HCFAC mission, project clarity, innovation, expected outcomes, student impact, budget details, and visibility within the local arts community. The grant review committee is composed of members from the Hernando County Fine Arts Council. All funded projects must be completed by April 2026, with a mid-year report due January 6, 2026, and a final report due by May 1, 2026. Failure to submit these reports will require full reimbursement and disqualify the applicant from future funding opportunities. The submission deadline for the 2025–2026 Arts in Education Grant is October 9, 2025. Grants will be reviewed and approved by November 13, 2025, with funds expected to be disbursed in early November. Questions regarding the application process can be directed to Nidia at nidia@hernandoarts.org. Interested applicants are encouraged to carefully read the grant guidelines and request feedback on their proposals before submission to ensure clarity and compliance.

Avoid jargon and overwriting. Ensure project relevance and realism. Describe compelling needs, use measurable objectives, and provide strong evaluation plans. Include specific roles for community partners. Get feedback before submission.