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The Arts in Alternative Education Community Partnership is a new funding opportunity for nonprofit organizations that will expand access to arts education for students attending alternative education schools in Oklahoma. Proposals are being accepted through September 15, 2022, for requests of up to $25,000 to support arts education programming, training, and more at alternative education school sites as identified by the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE).

Alternative education school sites serve students who 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 allowing them to complete a Fine Arts credit—a requirement for high school completion. Schools that have participated in the Oklahoma Arts Council’s Arts in Alternative Education grant program 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.

The funding for this program is made available through the Oklahoma State Department of Education’s federal coronavirus relief funds to address disruptions in learning experiences by students due to the pandemic.

Program Objectives

• Offer arts education for students in alternative education sites that is tailored to meet individual student and site goals, helping students overcome learning loss and re-engaging them in classroom settings

• Support arts access and hands-on, sequential arts learning for Oklahoma students in alternative education programs

• Allow participating students to complete a Fine Arts credit required for graduation

• Leverage the resources of arts nonprofits to build sustainable, high-quality arts education programs for alternative education sites

Overview

Project Actvity Dates
July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023 (Grant Period FY2023)

Grant Amount
Up to $25,000 per organization

Administrative fee: Grantees may allocate up to 20% of their grant award for their own salaries, wages, and operating expenses directly related to administering award

Match requirement: 1:1 (100%). Half of the match (50%) may be in-kind support. Matching funds may not be other Oklahoma Arts Council funds.

Proposal Submission Deadline
September 15, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. Central Time

Who Can Apply?

Arts-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations incorporated in the State of Oklahoma as a Domestic Not for Profit Corporation

• In 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 Oklahoma

• Registered 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?

Learning-based arts programs for students in alternative education sites, including in-school classes, residencies, workshops, virtual learning-based arts programs, professional development opportunities, and other arts experiences. Please see the Grant Program Guidelines document for more information. Sites must be alternative education school sites as identified by the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE). Learn more at the OSDE Alternative Education page.

What Expenses Are Allowable?

Funding from this grant can be used toward the reimbursement of arts-related expenses such as teaching artist fees, student travel expenses, consumable supplies, and administration/technical fees made between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023. Please see the Grant Program Guidelines document for complete list of allowable and unallowable expenses.

Documents and Links

Grant Program Guidelines
General Grant Terms and Conditions
Grant System Login

How to Apply

Step 1: If your organization has not applied for an Oklahoma Arts Council grant in the past three years, you will need to request access to the grant system.

Step 2: To submit a proposal for the Arts in Alternative Education Community Partnership, please send the following to jennifer.allen-barron@arts.ok.gov no later than 5:00 p.m. on September 15, 2022:

• A cover letter describing your organization’s interest in this project, including the name of the specific alternative education school site(s) with which you plan to collaborate.

• A brief description of the arts activities proposed.

• A budget, including itemized expenses related to your proposal. Administrative costs may account for up to 20% of the project budget.

• A timeline listing key project activities from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023.

Who to Contact for Help

For questions about this grant program, contact Jennifer Allen-Barron, Arts Education Director, at jennifer.allen-barron@arts.ok.gov or 405-521-2036.

For questions about managing your grant award, contact Thomas Tran, Grants Director, at thomas.tran@arts.ok.gov or 405-521-2041.

Visit the Grant Login page to login or learn how to apply for a grant.