The FY25 Arts Education Partnership (AEP) program, administered by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), offers a cooperative agreement to oversee the AEP, a coalition promoting access to high-quality arts education. With a funding ceiling of up to $1,050,000, the program seeks a single Cooperator to manage activities, including research dissemination, policy development, and stakeholder engagement in collaboration with NEA and the U.S. Department of Education (ED). Eligible applicants include nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, state or local government units, and federally recognized tribal communities.

Applicants are expected to administer the AEP, provide operational support, and select an AEP Director. Responsibilities include convening stakeholders, advancing arts education policy, maintaining resources like ArtScan and ArtsEdSearch, and engaging diverse communities. Proposals should outline strategic plans, cost-sharing sources, and methods to enhance federal priorities such as STEAM education and juvenile justice arts programs.

The cooperative agreement requires a nonfederal cost share/match, which can include cash or in-kind contributions. All costs must comply with NEA's General Terms and Conditions and cannot overlap with other federal funding. The grant period begins no earlier than October 1, 2025, for up to 12 months, with potential for four additional cooperative agreements depending on performance and funding availability.

Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by January 17, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET. Required documents include a narrative, budget form, bios of key personnel, and optional support materials. The proposal should emphasize the applicant's capacity, experience in arts education, and ability to manage collaborative efforts. Applicants must be registered in SAM.gov with an active Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

Review criteria focus on artistic excellence and merit, the organization’s ability to meet AEP goals, and alignment with federal arts education priorities. Award decisions are expected in April 2025. Post-award requirements include quarterly updates, compliance with federal accessibility laws, and submission of final reports within 120 days of the project’s conclusion. For questions, contact Michelle Hoffman at hoffmanm@arts.gov.