Arts Miles Program Grant

The Arts Miles Program Grant is administered by the Kentucky Arts Council, a state agency dedicated to promoting arts accessibility and cultural enrichment across the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The program is specifically designed to support educators in providing students with meaningful arts experiences by offsetting transportation costs associated with field trips to approved arts organizations. By focusing on logistical barriers such as travel expenses, the program aims to expand access to high-quality arts education opportunities for students who might otherwise be unable to participate due to geographic or financial constraints. The primary purpose of the grant is to assist Kentucky schools in covering transportation expenses for field trips to organizations listed in the Arts Miles Directory. These experiences are intended to enhance student exposure to the visual and performing arts while aligning with Kentucky Academic Standards. The program emphasizes educational enrichment, student engagement, and equitable access to arts programming, ensuring that all students, including those from underserved communities, have opportunities to benefit from cultural learning experiences. Funding provided through the Arts Miles Program is strictly limited to transportation-related costs. Eligible expenses include roundtrip mileage reimbursement and compensation for school bus drivers. The reimbursement is calculated based on a defined formula that considers mileage, number of buses, and driver wages. Funding is capped according to mileage tiers, with maximum reimbursement amounts ranging from 500 to 1600 dollars depending on travel distance. The grant operates on a reimbursement basis, meaning funds are disbursed only after the field trip has been completed and a final report has been submitted and approved. Eligibility for the program is limited to teachers employed by Kentucky public or private schools serving preschool through grade 12 students. Applicants must coordinate with their school administration to secure approval prior to submission and must select a field trip destination from the Arts Miles Directory. Home schools and home school associations are explicitly excluded from eligibility. Additional restrictions include a limit of two applications per school per fiscal year, one field trip per application, and a maximum of two buses per trip. The application process requires educators to plan their field trip in collaboration with the selected arts organization, obtain administrative approvals, and submit an application through the GO Smart online grant system. Required documentation includes tax-exempt status verification, federal identification numbers, and state vendor registration details. Applications are reviewed monthly by Kentucky Arts Council staff based on criteria including planning and implementation, measurable student outcomes, and accessibility considerations. Applicants may be contacted for clarification during the review process. The program operates on a rolling application basis from October through March, with submissions due by the 15th of each month at least six weeks prior to the planned field trip. The overall grant period runs from October 1, 2026, through May 15, 2027. Applicants are notified of decisions shortly after review, and approved applicants must complete a grant agreement within 15 days. Final reports are due within 15 days after the field trip, and reimbursement payments are processed within 30 working days thereafter. Failure to submit required reports may result in ineligibility for future funding. For additional support, the Kentucky Arts Council provides technical assistance throughout the application and implementation process, including help with eligibility questions, planning, and accessibility resources. Program inquiries can be directed to Arts Program Branch Manager Tamara Coffey via email or phone. The grant is contingent upon state and federal funding availability, and recipients are required to acknowledge support from the Kentucky Arts Council in promotional materials and communications.

Align field trip plans with Kentucky Academic Standards; clearly define measurable student outcomes; emphasize accessibility and inclusion in proposal design