Curiosity Pass: A Cultural Education Program (formerly 4Culture: Public School Cultural Access Grant)

Curiosity Pass: A Cultural Education Program (formerly 4Culture: Public School Cultural Access Grant)

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: 4Culture
Amount: US $5,000 - US $100,000
Last Updated: December 03, 2025

Summary

The Curiosity Pass: A Cultural Education Program supports arts, cultural, and science education for King County K-12 students. This grant offers funding to cultural organizations and educators to create or enhance educational programs that foster holistic growth and community partnerships. Eligible projects include workshops, performances, field trips, and professional development. Applications must comply with safety and insurance policies, ensuring a secure environment for students. Learn more about eligibility and application steps on the 4Culture website.

Overview

NOTE: Applicants who plan to apply must save a draft application by May 28, 2026 5pm to allow 4Culture staff to complete an eligibility pre-screening for this grant. The application link will not be available to anyone to start an application after that date. Final applications must be submitted by Jun 11, 2026 5pm. Curiosity Pass: A Cultural Education Program Create engaging arts, cultural, and science educational experiences for King County students! This grant funds cultural partners with youth-serving programs and activities that expand learning opportunities in our K-12 public schools. Whether in-school or off-site, these funds support young learners and their holistic growth. What Curiosity Pass Funds Create engaging arts, cultural, and science educational experiences for King County public school students! This grant provides 2-year funding to cultural partners with youth-serving projects that expand learning opportunities in our K-12 public schools. Groups and Individual educators can use this grant for funding the creation of new cultural education programs, or the continuation or expansion of existing programs. Programs can include in-school activities (residencies, workshops, performances, lessons), before and after school programs, field trips, programs that take place in the summer and/or during school breaks, and professional development ((see eligibility section for more details). By supporting school and community partnerships that align with and enhance formal classroom learning, the Curiosity Pass program works to advance the right to cultural access for public school students across King County’s 19 public school districts and tribal schools. Read more here under Steps to Apply, 1 What Curiosity Pass Funds.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Apply as a Cultural Organization/Partner if your group plans to offer cultural education programming for King County K-12 public school students in the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years, and you meet all of the following requirements:Must be a nonprofit arts, heritage, historic preservation, or science & technology organization or Tribal government with a primary location in King County.If you are using a fiscal sponsor to apply for this grant, you must have prior approval by 4Culture staff. You will need to indicate if you are applying with a Fiscal Sponsor in your application, and 4Culture will review both you and your fiscal sponsor’s eligibility to receive funding. Please review our Fiscal Sponsorship page.Have a mission that includes a focus on one of our disciplines: Arts, Heritage, Historic Preservation, or Science & Technology.Program lead staff have 2 years minimum experience developing and providing youth education programs for K-12 students. This can include classroom teaching, field trips, tours, workshops, artist residencies, etc. Experience partnering with public schools, a plus but not required.Partnerships between multiple, eligible groups are eligible, but only one of the partnering groups will apply on behalf of the partnership.To be eligible for Curiosity Pass funding, awardees must comply with school district policies around child safety and insurance requirements. These requirements may include (but are not limited to) background checks for staff, additional training, and proof of insurance.4Culture will also require proof of insurance at the time of contracting.Apply as an Individual teaching artist or cultural educator if you plan to offer programming for King County K-12 public school students in the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years. Individuals must also meet the following requirements:Individuals must be at least 18 years old and a resident of King County when you apply through completion of your project.If selected for an award, you must provide a Social Security Number to receive payment. No fiscal sponsors may be used.Have experience in arts, heritage, historic preservation, or science & technology.Have 2 years minimum experience developing and providing youth education programs for K-12 students. This can include classroom teaching, field trips, tours, workshops, artist residencies, etc. Experience partnering with public schools, a plus but not required.4Culture staff, Board, Arts Advisory Committee members, and 2025 Curiosity Pass selection panelists are not eligible to apply. Read full project eligibility details here, under Steps to Apply, 2 Are You and Your Project Eligible?

Ineligibility

Program partnerships serving a majority of K-12 charter schools and/or private school students.K-12 schools or school districts: funds cannot be directly paid to schools. Professional development for teachers/staff is eligible.Athletics, recreation, sport, or martial arts.Tuition and cost-of-living expenses for students in any degree program.Food and beverage for staff (paid or unpaid) or volunteers that are not part of the school partner being served. Food and snacks for students is an eligible expense.Purchase of non-program-related equipment.Religious worship, exercise, prayer, or instruction.Fundraising expenses.General operating support: funds can be used for program-specific operations. Otherwise consider applying for Sustained Support. Capital expenditures including construction or renovation–consider apply for Building for Equity.