Creative Aging for Lifelong Learning (CALL) – Organizations

The Creative Aging for Lifelong Learning grant program is administered through the West Virginia Department of Tourism in partnership with the West Virginia Commission on the Arts. This program is designed to support arts-based programming that engages older adults in meaningful, skill-building creative experiences. The initiative emphasizes both artistic development and social engagement, particularly for individuals aged 55 and older, and prioritizes projects that foster community connection through the arts. The primary purpose of this grant is to provide funding of up to 7500 dollars for projects that deliver structured, sequential arts instruction led by a qualified West Virginia teaching artist. Eligible projects must focus on teaching a new artistic skill over multiple sessions with the same group of adult participants, culminating in a public event that showcases the skills acquired. Supported disciplines include visual, literary, performing, and media arts. The program explicitly requires that the artistic learning process and participant engagement remain central to the project design. Funding may be used for eligible expenses such as artist fees, materials, space rentals, and equipment costs. However, several restrictions apply. Funds cannot be used for hospitality expenses, general operating costs, fundraising activities, instrument purchases, or projects occurring outside of West Virginia. Additionally, projects designed specifically for rehabilitation from illness or injury are not eligible. Expenses incurred prior to the grant period are also disallowed. Eligibility is limited to West Virginia-based entities including 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, local governments, county school boards, and colleges or universities that demonstrate community-wide arts service. Applicants must have been in existence for at least one year, be in good standing with the state, and have fulfilled all prior reporting obligations for related state arts grants. Additional administrative requirements include maintaining an active Unique Entity Identifier through SAM.gov and a vendor number through the state financial system. The application process requires submission through the GoApply system and includes several required components such as a cover sheet, narrative, project budget, certification statements, and supporting documentation of expenses. Applications are evaluated competitively by a panel of arts professionals and state representatives using criteria including artistic merit, participant engagement, artistic excellence, and overall clarity and completeness of the proposal. The grant operates on a recurring annual cycle with two application rounds. Round One applications are due by May 18 with a project period beginning July 1, while Round Two applications are due by October 1 with projects beginning January 1. All funded projects must conclude by June 30 of the grant year. Recipients are required to submit a final report within 90 days of project completion, and failure to comply may result in financial penalties or disqualification from future funding. Contact for the program is provided through the Deputy Director of Arts, Elizabeth Yeager, via official state email.

Ensure strong alignment with scoring criteria including artistic merit, engagement, and clarity; prioritize projects serving adults age 55+; clearly define skill-building progression and culminating event; provide complete and error-free application materials