Arts Education Grant Program

The Arts Education Grant Program, managed by Community Foundation Sonoma County, aims to enhance equitable access to high-quality arts education in Sonoma County. It supports 501(c)(3) nonprofits that empower students through visual, literary, and performing arts, helping them develop creativity and critical thinking skills. This initiative addresses disparities in arts education access, ensuring that all students can create, share, and reflect on their artistic endeavors, fostering community engagement and personal growth.

NOTE:
The 2025 Arts Education grant program is now closed.Applications will be made available to those who are invited to apply. If you have a program or project that you believe fits the Arts Education grant program criteria, please contact
Grant Program Overview
A high-quality arts education is vital for developing imaginative thinkers able to address tomorrow’s most pressing problems and contribute to the vibrancy and culture of their communities. Student involvement in the arts is linked to higher academic performance, increased standardized test scores, greater involvement in community service, and lower dropout rates. Unfortunately, arts programs are frequently cut from the curriculum for budgetary reasons. Consequently, schools turn to parent-teacher associations and fundraisers to continue to operate arts programs. This reliance on outside funding has exacerbated widespread disparities in access to high-quality arts education in our community. Community Foundation Sonoma County is committed to equitable access to arts education. Our Arts Education grant program supports nonprofits providing high-quality arts education for students furthest from these opportunities. Arts education curricula should be delivered by qualified Sonoma County visual, performing, or literary artists providing instruction and creative experiences directly to young people.

Eligibility

Requesting organization in a Sonoma County 501(c)(3) nonprofit or an organization fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.Criteria for this grant program include providing students with the opportunity to:Create and share works of art within the visual, literary, and/or performing arts.Share their work through informal presentations or performances.Reflect and respond to their own or others’ art.