Alabama State Council on the Arts
Arts in Education: After-School and Summer Camp Projects (new)
The Arts Council has a new grant of $1,000 to $10,000 for after-school and summer camp arts programs for PreK-12 students. 501(c)(3) groups can apply and a match is required. Whether a private school can apply on its own is unclear in the guidelines.
- Amount
- $1,000 to $10,000 (dollar-for-dollar match)
- Can a for-profit school apply?
- No: for-profit schools excluded
- Deadline
- Sep 1, 2026 (passed)
- Who this fits
- Private school · Homeschool co‑opThe arts education section lists public and private schools and arts or community 501(c)(3) groups, but another section lists only other grant types for PreK-12 schools. School applications must name the school district as the applicant. A 501(c)(3) co-op running an arts program may fit. See the conflict note.Religious schools: yes, not for religious activities
- New schools
- Not stated for new schools
- Where
- Alabama only
- Last checked
- Oct 20, 2026on arts.alabama.gov
Unconfirmed: check with the funder
We couldn’t confirm these on an official page. Treat them as open questions, not facts.
- FY2028 dates not posted
- Whether a private school applies itself or must use a 501(c)(3) route
- How an independent private school meets the 'school district as the organization' rule
What to do now
- Step 1: Watch for FY2028 guidelines (next dates not posted)
- Step 2: Ask the Arts in Education program manager whether your school or co-op should apply, and how an independent school fills the 'school district' applicant field
- Step 3: Plan an arts program outside the school day with no religious objectives
- Step 4: Line up your matching funds
Funders change their requirements. Check the official page before you apply. Getting ready? See what funders usually ask for.
Who can apply
“Public and private schools.”
Conflict: the Educational Institutions section lists only Curriculum-based and professional development grants for PreK-12 schools, while the arts education section lists public and private schools for this category. Applications from schools must be submitted as the school district, not the school building, which is unclear for an independent private school. Nonprofit 501(c)(3) groups may apply. Churches and religious groups may apply, but projects with sectarian or faith-based objectives are not funded. Ask the Council before applying as a school.
- Arts program outside the regular school day
- Match equal to the grant
- At least $1 cash match
- Based in Alabama
- School applicants apply as the school district, not the school building
Timing
Both FY2027 windows have closed (June 2 and September 1, 2026). FY2028 windows are not posted yet.