Early Childhood Arts Partnership Grants

The Early Childhood Arts Partnership Grant, administered by the Vermont Arts Council, provides targeted support to preschool-aged children and their educators through arts-based programming. This grant, which has replaced the former Head Start Arts Integration Grant starting in FY2025, aims to foster creative learning environments, enhance school readiness, and expand access to arts education across Vermont. The Council’s overarching goal is to enrich early education programs by integrating the arts, allowing children to express themselves, develop communication and cognitive skills, and engage in culturally relevant learning experiences. Funding is available up to $6,000 per award to eligible applicants. These funds are intended to support arts or arts-integrated instruction within preschool classrooms through collaborations with Vermont-based arts organizations or teaching artists. The program encourages projects that employ qualified teaching artists for residencies, incorporate curriculum outcomes aligned with frameworks such as TS Gold, Vermont Early Learning Standards, or the National Core Art Standards, and promote collaboration between educators and teaching artists. Examples include classroom residencies, teacher training, and activities that expand family and community engagement through the arts. Eligibility for this grant includes Vermont-registered nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, such as early childhood education providers, Head Start centers, social service organizations, or arts organizations. Public schools and school districts that offer preschool programming and are recognized by the Vermont Department of Education may also apply. All applicants must have been operational for at least one year and must possess a Unique Entity ID (UEI). Entities that have received other Vermont Arts Council grants in FY2026 for the same project, or have incomplete reporting from prior awards, are not eligible. Applications are evaluated on three weighted criteria: artistic merit (50%), project impact (30%), and project management (20%). Strong applications will demonstrate well-planned arts experiences for young learners, equitable access, community partnership, clear educational outcomes, and sound fiscal and timeline planning. Applications must be submitted through the Vermont Arts Council’s online grant portal by October 17, 2025, for projects that occur between January 1 and August 31, 2026. Awards will be announced by December 20, 2025. The full grant amount is disbursed upon receipt of a signed agreement, completed direct deposit authorization, and W-9 form. Matching funds are not required for this opportunity. The program prioritizes projects that address equity by serving underrepresented communities and enhancing inclusive classroom environments. Organizations must also comply with all federal and state non-discrimination and accessibility standards, including ADA compliance. For additional support, applicants can contact the grant program manager, Troy Hickman, at thickman@vermontartscouncil.org or 802.402.4496. Technical questions about the application portal can be directed to Meredith Bell at 802.402.4478. Interested applicants are encouraged to review the full guidelines, sample applications, and final reporting requirements available on the Council’s website.