Creative Aging Partnership Grant

The Creative Aging Partnership Grant is administered by the Oklahoma Arts Council, a state agency dedicated to supporting arts and cultural development across Oklahoma. The program is funded in part through the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET), reflecting a broader mission to enhance public health and community well-being through creative engagement. The initiative builds on the Council’s Creative Aging Initiative launched in 2021, which focuses on expanding access to arts education for older adults and strengthening community-based programming through partnerships with experienced teaching artists and organizations. The primary purpose of this grant is to support the development and expansion of arts learning opportunities specifically designed for adults aged 55 and older. These programs are intended to foster creativity, lifelong learning, and social connection while also contributing to improved health outcomes. Funded projects must emphasize participatory, sequential, and skill-building arts experiences such as residencies, workshops, or classes. Each participant is expected to receive a minimum of six hours of hands-on engagement, ensuring meaningful and sustained interaction with the arts. Grant funding is available for up to 30000 dollars per organization, with a restriction that the requested amount may not exceed 30 percent of the applicant organization’s operating budget. A one-to-one matching requirement applies, with up to 50 percent of the match allowed as in-kind contributions. Funds are distributed on a reimbursement basis and may be used for eligible costs including teaching artist fees, travel expenses (excluding food and drink), administrative or technical support related to the project, consumable supplies, and other direct program expenses. Administrative costs are capped at a defined percentage of the award. Unallowable expenses include capital improvements, scholarships, fundraising activities, and hospitality costs such as food and beverages. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status incorporated in Oklahoma, as well as government entities, educational institutions, and public library branches. All applicants must be in good standing with the Internal Revenue Service and the State of Oklahoma, and must maintain an active Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) through the System for Award Management. Organizations must also not appear on federal debarment or suspension lists. The program allows organizations already receiving other Oklahoma Arts Council funding to apply, provided that matching funds are not sourced from other Council grants. The application process requires organizations to first complete an eligibility verification through the Oklahoma Arts Council’s online grant portal. Once verified, applicants may submit a full proposal through the Fluxx system by the stated deadline. Applications are reviewed based on established scoring criteria and agency priorities, including artistic quality, program design, and alignment with creative aging goals. Successful applicants must complete pre-award requirements before receiving a formal notice of award. The timeline for the grant cycle includes an application opening date of January 15, 2026, and a submission deadline of March 15, 2026. The project period runs from July 1, 2026, through May 31, 2027. Awarded organizations are required to participate in a structured cohort that includes professional development, mentorship, and monthly meetings. Reporting requirements include mid-year and final reports tied to payment disbursements, which are issued in installments following documentation of progress and compliance. Grantees must adhere to all Oklahoma Arts Council General Grant Terms and Conditions, which include strict compliance with federal and state regulations, financial management standards, and reporting obligations. Organizations are required to maintain detailed records for seven years, participate in evaluations, and acknowledge funding sources in all public communications. Failure to comply with program requirements may result in penalties, including reduction or termination of funding. The program emphasizes accountability, transparency, and measurable outcomes, ensuring that funded projects deliver meaningful impact for older adults and their communities.

Emphasize sequential hands-on arts learning; demonstrate measurable health and community impact; ensure strong teaching artist qualifications and clear program structure