Community Arts Learning Grants

The Community Arts Learning Grants program is administered by the Oklahoma Arts Council, a state agency dedicated to strengthening Oklahoma communities through support of the arts. The program reflects the agency’s broader strategic goals of advancing arts education, supporting cultural assets, and expanding equitable access to creative opportunities statewide. This grant opportunity was introduced as a replacement for the former Small Grant Support program beginning September 1, 2023, and is designed to provide targeted project funding for arts learning initiatives that directly engage participants in structured, skill-building experiences. The primary purpose of the grant is to support hands-on, sequential arts learning opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities across Oklahoma. Funded projects are expected to go beyond one-time events and instead provide sustained engagement that allows participants to build artistic skills over time. Programs must involve active participation led by qualified teaching artists and should foster creative expression, skill development, and meaningful engagement with the arts. The program aligns with statewide priorities to enhance quality of life, strengthen local economies, and preserve cultural heritage through arts education. Funding is available for activities such as workshops, classes, summer camps, after-school programs, and arts-based intervention or prevention programs. Projects must include at least six hours of hands-on arts instruction and demonstrate sequential learning. Eligible expenses include artist fees, travel costs, administrative and technical support, facility and equipment rentals, marketing, and consumable supplies. However, funds cannot be used for capital improvements, permanent equipment purchases, scholarships, hospitality expenses, or activities that are not open to the public. Additionally, projects that focus primarily on audience-based events such as concerts or festivals are not eligible under this program and are instead directed to a separate funding opportunity. Applicants may request up to 5,000 dollars per project and may apply for up to two grants per fiscal year, either as two Community Arts Learning Grants or one Learning Grant combined with one Community Arts Experience Grant. A 100 percent matching requirement is mandatory, with up to 50 percent of the match allowed as in-kind contributions. Matching funds cannot be sourced from federal funding or other Oklahoma Arts Council grants. Award decisions are competitive and based on scoring criteria aligned with program objectives and agency priorities. Eligibility is limited to organizations operating within Oklahoma, including nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status incorporated in the state, government agencies, sovereign tribal nations, public libraries, and educational institutions such as colleges, universities, and public schools. Nonprofit applicants must be in good standing with both the IRS and the State of Oklahoma and must have a valid SAM Unique Entity Identifier. Organizations must also complete a verification process within the Oklahoma Arts Council grant portal prior to applying, which can take up to 15 days. The application process involves two primary steps. First, organizations must establish and verify their eligibility in the Fluxx grant portal. Once verified, applicants can submit a full application through the portal by 5:00 p.m. on the deadline date, which is defined as 60 days prior to the project start date. Applications are reviewed by the Oklahoma Arts Council, and successful applicants proceed through contract acceptance, project implementation, and final reporting before receiving payment. The grant period for the current cycle runs from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Evaluation criteria emphasize the quality and structure of the arts learning experience, including the requirement for sequential instruction, opportunities for creative expression, and the qualifications of teaching artists. Applicants must demonstrate how their project meets required outcomes and contributes to broader community engagement. For assistance, applicants may contact program staff, including the Arts Learning in Communities Director, Grants and Programs Associate, or Grants Director, depending on the nature of their inquiry.

Emphasize sequential hands-on learning of at least six hours; clearly demonstrate teaching artist qualifications; align project outcomes with required program outcomes