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Arts Action Fund
The Arts Action Fund is the first of its kind in Houston and exists as a catalyst for closing arts access gaps in schools.
The Arts Action Fund invests a total of $250,000 annually in arts education programs across Houston ISD to ensure students have access to meaningful arts opportunities as part of their complete education. The Fund’s goal is to unlock potential for new investments by fiscally supporting high-quality, effective partnerships between Arts and Culture Partners and any HISD school. The Fund prioritizes serving underfunded campuses in with reduced access to the arts.
Through the Arts Action Fund, Arts Connect provides capacity building opportunities to expand knowledge and understanding of how the arts impact student engagement and well-being.
The 2023-2024 Arts Action Fund is Closed
Stay tuned for news on the 2024-2025 Arts Action Fund!
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Who can apply for the Arts Action Fund?Arts and Culture Partners apply on behalf of any Houston ISD school to provide high-quality programming specific to the needs of each campus. Arts and Culture Partners should coordinate with the school(s) they are applying on behalf of prior to submitting an application.
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What kinds of funding are available?The Arts Action Fund offers two funding pathways: 1. Seed Funding - The main goal of a Seed Grant is to ensure the support of partnership development to increase access for students to experience the arts at their school. For some partnerships, this may start a relationship. For others, the grant will seed a continued relationship. Seed Funding grants can be up to $3,500 2. Learning, Innovation and Action (LIA) - The main goal of the LIA Grant is to invest deeply in expanding already existing partnerships between organizations and a Houston ISD school. This funding, grounded in an established relationship, allows space to explore an innovative idea that is responsive to campus’ needs. All parties must be invested in the overall concept and how it deepens arts education impact for students. Learning, Innovation and Action grants can range from $5,000 - $10,000
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How many grants can my organization apply for?Arts and Culture Partners may apply for one (1) Learning, Innovation and Action grant and up to twelve (12) Seed grants. You must submit one application per school, per program.
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How much funding can my organization receive?A single organization may only be approved for up to $12,000 of Seed funding dollars and one (1) Learning, Innovation and Action grant. Please note: Your application may be approved but awarded less than the initially requested grant amount.
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How much funding can any one school receive?A Houston ISD school can receive up to one (1) Learning, Innovation and Action grant and up to three (3) Seed grants per school year. A Houston ISD school can have multiple applications submitted on its behalf but what is approved will be dependent upon available funds and equitable distribution within Houston ISD.
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What are the major deadlines of the Arts Action Fund?Learning, Innovation and Action grants are due on 9/8/23 and will receive notification on 9/27/23. Grant acceptance packets will be due 10/13/23. Seed grants are due on 10/13/23 and will receive notification on 11/10/23. Grant acceptance packets will be due 12/15/23. Progress check-ins will be due 3/22/24, with final reporting due 6/12/24.
Houston ISD Schools:
Interested in applying to the Arts Action Fund? Connect directly with an Arts and Culture Partner by:
1. Exploring our Arts and Culture Partner Page here!
2. Then heading to artlook® to learn more and gather contact information!
Not sure if the Arts Action Fund is for your campus? Email us!
THE ARTS ACTION FUND SINCE 2018
113,000
students have participated in diverse arts partnership opportunities.
1,970
classrooms have been served through arts partnerships.
480
direct arts and culture partnerships with schools.
300
HISD campuses served.
$1.2 Million
strategically invested in arts opportunities for students.
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