Arts in Alternative Education Community Partnership Grant

Arts in Alternative Education Community Partnership Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Oklahoma Arts Council
Amount: Up to US $30,000
Last Updated: February 02, 2026

Summary

The Arts in Alternative Education Community Partnership Grant supports nonprofit organizations in Oklahoma to enhance arts education for students in alternative education settings. By facilitating artist residencies, field trips, and quality arts programs, the grant aims to improve student engagement and graduation rates. Eligible arts-focused nonprofits can receive funding up to $30,000, promoting creative self-expression and educational success among at-risk youth. This initiative addresses barriers faced by these students, fostering skills through diverse arts experiences.

Overview

Arts in Alternative Education Community Partnership The Arts in Alternative Education Community Partnership Grant offers funding for nonprofit organizations to expand access to arts education for students attending alternative education schools in Oklahoma. Alternative Education students are at a greater risk of not completing high school for a variety of reasons which may include inconsistent housing, traumatic experiences, excessive absences, pregnancy or parenting, juvenile justice involvement, or others. These students often require specific educational interventions. Arts programs can help these students build new skills and develop healthy methods of creative self-expression through classes like creative writing, painting, photography, music, and theatre while also allowing them to complete a Fine Arts credit (required for high school completion). Schools that have participated in Oklahoma Arts Council’s Alternative Education grant programs report that arts experiences result in increased attendance and higher graduation rates, among other positive student outcomes. Oklahoma nonprofit arts organizations offer both a wealth of artistic resources and the flexibility to build sustainable partnerships that can serve these schools and students in new and innovative ways. Through the Arts in Alternative Education Community Partnership, grantee organizations can use this funding to: Provide artist residencies, performances, and more at alternative education school sitesGive students from alternative education sites opportunities to experience the arts through field tripsDevelop strategies to expand access to quality arts education for students attending alternative schools. Grant Amount Up to 30,000 per organization (grant request cannot exceed 30% of organizations operating budget)Match requirement: 1:1 (100%). Half of the match (50%) may be in-kind support. Matchingfunds may not be other Oklahoma Arts Council funds.Administrative fee: Grantees may allocate up to 20% of their grant award for organization salaries and administrative/operating expenses directly related to the funded project. Award amounts are determined using the grant program scoring criteria and agency priorities.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Arts-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations incorporated in the State of Oklahoma as a Domestic Not for Profit CorporationIn good standing with the IRS (Organizations that have had their IRS status revoked are not eligible for Oklahoma Arts Council grant support. It is the organization’s responsibility to ensure that its status is current at the time of the application and throughout the life of the award.)In good standing with the State of OklahomaRegistered with a SAM UEI and eligible to receive federal support (organizations cannot be listed under the SAM Exclusions federal debarred or suspended list) What Types of Projects Can Be Supported?In-school classes, residencies, and workshops (frequency and duration may vary; focus should be on sequential hands-on learning) where each student receives six or more hours of hands-on arts engagementOnline/virtual learning-based arts programs where each student receives six or more hours of hands-on arts engagementField trips to arts-focused performances, exhibits, or other eventsOther arts experiences designed to build skills and enhance the educational experience of alternative education studentsWhat Expenses Are Allowable?Teaching Artist Fees (payment to the teaching artist hired or contracted to lead instruction)Teaching Artist Travel Expenses (may include mileage, lodging, or other costs but cannot include food or drink)Student Travel Expenses (may include bus rental/charter fees or other costs but cannot include food or drink)Contracted Administration or Technical Fees (payment for a contracted project coordinator, grant writer, or other professional services)Consumable Supplies (must be directly related to the project)Administrative Fees (Up to 15% of award; May include salaries, wages, and operating expenses directly related to administering award)Other Expenses (including printed programs, signage, licensing and/or royalty fees, etc.)

Ineligibility

Unallowable expenses include tickets, tuition, scholarships, capital expenditures and/or building improvements, permanent art installations, activities for which college credit is given, loss of revenue, debt repayment, subgranting, duties or expenses related to fundraising and/or lobbying, activities or expenses that may advance or inhibit any religious belief, events that are not open to the public, cash prizes or awards, and hospitality expenses (i.e., food, drink, receptions, parties, galas).