The Arts in Education (AIE) Creative Start Project Grant provides funding to support arts-integrated projects for preschool through 3rd grade students during the 2026 fiscal year (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026). This one-year grant is designed to foster creative, academic, and emotional growth in young learners while promoting equitable access to culturally relevant arts education. The grant emphasizes collaboration among educators, schools, families, teaching artists, and organizations to create inclusive arts experiences.

The primary objective of this grant is to integrate the arts into early childhood education, enriching learning experiences for students. The program focuses on creating opportunities for students to develop creatively and academically while addressing equity in arts education access. Partnerships are encouraged to ensure culturally responsive and impactful projects.

Applicants can request a fixed funding amount of $10,000. No matching funds are required, making this grant accessible to a variety of applicants. However, the total number of grants awarded may depend on the availability of funds and the volume of applications received.

Eligibility extends to educators, schools, teaching artists, and organizations committed to providing arts-integrated learning opportunities for preschool to 3rd grade students. Projects should align with the grant's goals of fostering inclusivity, cultural relevance, and meaningful partnerships in the arts.

The application process opens on January 6, 2025, and closes on February 13, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend one of the informational sessions on January 14 or January 23, 2025, to learn more about the grant and application process. Notifications of awards will be sent by May 9, 2025.

Grant-funded activities must occur between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. A final report detailing the outcomes and impacts of the project is due by July 31, 2026. Interested applicants should prepare a proposal that demonstrates how their project aligns with the grant’s goals and ensures equitable arts integration for young learners.