Arts Education Community Impact

Lead applicants must be: 

• Tennessee-based K–12 public schools or school districts, 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organizations, public higher education institutions, or local government agencies
• Partnered with at least two additional cross-sector organizations (e.g., arts councils, arts education professional associations, community organizations, foundations, local government, local businesses, corporate or business partners, schools, higher education, etc.)
• At least one partner in the project must be a public K-12 school or school district

All Commission sponsored programs, services and facilities are fully accessible to all Tennessee artists and citizens. No person of on the grounds of disability, age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin or any other classification protected by Federal, Tennessee State constitutional, or statutory law shall be given preferential treatment or excluded from participation in services, programs and employment provided by the Commission and its contracting agencies. If an individual believes they have been subjected to discrimination, they may file a complaint with the Civil Rights Enforcement Division of the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office at Online Complaint Portal; phone: 615.741.5825, email CRED@ag.tn.gov; or by mail to P. O. Box 20207, Nashville, TN  37202.

All Commission sponsored programs, services and facilities should be fully accessible and compliant with American with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in employment, state and local government services, public accommodations, transportation, and telecommunication. The ADA extends the requirements under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, to all activities of state and local governments and places of public accommodations operated by private entities, including places of public display. Resources to assist in meeting these requirements can be found on the Tennessee Arts Commission’s Accessibility Resources page.

Applicants are encouraged to reference the following resources to support the identification of arts education gaps and opportunities within Tennessee: 

• TN Arts Education Data Project – Provides data on arts course offerings and student participation at the school and district level across Tennessee
• TN State of the Arts Study Report Summary – Highlights statewide trends, disparities, and opportunities in arts education
• TN Teaching Artist Roster Map – Identifies teaching artists and arts organizations across the state

Projects must: 

• Present a clear, data-informed vision to meaningfully address gaps in arts education
• Define clear roles and responsibilities for all partners to support shared leadership and accountability
• Establish clear, measurable goals and authentic evaluation methods aligned with local priorities
• Identify a primary project coordinator responsible for convening partners, tracking progress, and facilitating evaluation efforts across the grant period
• Engage Tennessee K-12 students in sustained, high‑quality arts learning in alignment with the Tennessee Academic Standards for Fine Arts Education
• Be intentionally designed for long-term sustainability beyond the grant period
• Convene all partners at least quarterly for shared planning and evaluation. Meetings must be open to Commission staff for observation as part of ongoing support, shared learning, and grant monitoring.
• Fulfill all program requirements annually throughout the grant period 

Projects may include (but are not limited to): 

• Creative workforce development or arts-related career and technical education
• Development of innovative arts learning models or systems
• Expanding standards-based arts education for students with limited participation
• Integration of arts learning with broader community development goals
• Professional learning initiatives that expand training opportunities and statewide coverage for teaching artists, educators, and arts leaders
• Projects that integrate artificial intelligence or other emerging technologies to advance innovation, evaluation, and instructional design in arts education
• School-based or district-wide arts integration initiatives
• Teaching artist residencies or co-teaching frameworks that model sustainable approaches for integrating artists into K–12 learning environments

The AECI Grant uses a three-year funding structure to support cross-sector arts education partnerships. Applicants submit one comprehensive proposal that outlines initial plans across all three years. Projects are reviewed and scored through a competitive panel process during the initial application year. Funding for Years 2 and 3 is contingent upon: 

• Satisfactory completion of required forms, reports, and deliverables
• Demonstrated progress toward stated goals
• Availability of Commission funds and approval by staff review 

Deliverables 

Funded projects must produce the following key deliverables at the end of each grant period: 

• Year 1: Strategic Plan – a formal written plan outlining shared goals, logic model, roles, evaluation strategy, program timeline, and sustainability approach, developed in collaboration with all partners 

• Year 2: Evaluation Report – a formal evaluation aligned with the Year 1 strategic plan, including data on program implementation, student impact, and progress toward stated goals and sustainability 

• Year 3: Final Report & Artistic Artifact – 1.) a final report summarizing outcomes, project model, learning, and long-term plans; and 2.) an artistic artifact that captures the spirit, impact, or process of the project and meaningfully involves participating students in its creation

• Compensation for arts professionals delivering direct instruction, professional development, or artistic programming
• Professional fees for external consultants, including evaluators, facilitators, curriculum developers, and advisors
• Stipends for project coordination directly tied to grant activities
• Community engagement activities designed to connect project work with the broader community
• Professional development for staff involved in delivering or supporting the program
• Evaluation tools used to track progress and outcomes
• Consumable supplies and materials
• Program documentation and dissemination, including photography, videography, printed reports, or digital storytelling that captures and shares the project’s process and outcomes
• Travel and transportation costs related to program delivery

While certain expenses are ineligible for AECI grant funds, applicants are encouraged to include them in the overall project budget and narrative when covered by partner contributions or other funding sources. For further information see Funding Restrictions on Legal Requirements.  

• Projects in which any artist is to serve as the arts teacher in the absence of any ongoing arts education programs
• Projects in which funded activities consist solely of implementing an externally developed, turnkey arts education program without meaningful local adaptation, leadership, or capacity-building 

NOTE: Applicants may incorporate existing high-quality programs as part of a broader initiative, but projects must demonstrate how these resources are adapted to local needs and contribute to sustainable systems change. 

• Projects designed as a continuation of previously funded Arts360 grant programs. However, school recipients of previous Arts360 grants are eligible to apply for new projects that meet all other eligibility requirements as outlined in the grant guidelines.
• Permanent staff of an organization (with the exception of project coordinator stipend)
• Capital Expenditures and Acquisitions
• Space Rental
• Incentives for participation
• Cash awards
• Performances, demonstrations, or exhibits with only minimal impact, limited hands-on participation, or outside of the scope of the project
• Field trips
• Competitions and/or tours in which students are presenting, performing, and/or exhibiting
• Out-of-state travel for participants
• Individual private lesson instruction
• Payment for apprentices or interns
• Planned fundraising activities
• Scholarships or competitions
• Food
• Grant writing fees
• Non-classical art forms including, but not limited to culinary arts, martial arts, healing arts, exercise programs, acrobatics or gymnastics (exceptions exist – contact the Commission for details)
• Payments to an employee or official of the State of Tennessee (exceptions exist – contact the Commission for details)
• Guest artists to exhibit, direct, choreograph or conduct productions or performances who are not engaged in active instruction with participants. For example, funds are not eligible to support a guest conductor who travels in to conduct a final showcase, but who has not been active in the learning and rehearsal process; or for a choreographer who supplies their work via video recording for another instructor to translate to students

A 2:1 match is required. Applicants must provide $1 in cash match for every $2 in grant funds awarded.

Applications will be evaluated based on the following: 

1.) Project Vision. Describe the vision for the project and what makes this project significant and impactful. Describe the goals and how they align with the overall purpose of the project. 

• Purpose (10 points)
  • The long-term purpose of the project is clearly articulated and compelling.
• Goals (10 points)
  • The proposed goals are clearly defined and align with the overall purpose of the project. 

2.) Responsiveness. Describe how the project addresses a demonstrated gap or opportunity that is informed by relevant and compelling data. Describe how this project is in alignment with community priorities. 

• Data-Informed (10 points)
  • The project is responsive to a demonstrated gap or opportunity informed by relevant and compelling data.
• Alignment with Community Priorities (10 points)
  • The proposal reflects stakeholder input and aligns with community-identified needs and priorities. 

3.) Partnerships. Describe the partnerships involved in the project. Define all roles and contributions for each partner, strengths of each partner, and a plan for mutual accountability and shared leadership. 

• Strength & Authenticity of Partnerships (10 points)
  • The proposal demonstrates strong, authentic partnerships with well-defined roles and contributions.
• Shared Leadership and Accountability (10 points)
  • Partnerships reflect a plan for mutual accountability and shared leadership across organizations and individuals. 

4.) Artistic and Instructional Quality. Describe the artistic and instructional approaches of the project, including qualifications of artistic and instructional staff or any other potential key staff. Describe how the artistic and instructional approaches are high-quality, rigorous, and appropriate for the students and the goals of the project. 

• Artistic Quality (10 points)
  • Artistic approach and staff demonstrate artistic excellence and are appropriate for the project.
• Instructional Quality (10 points)
  • Instructional approach and staff are high-quality, rigorous, and appropriate for the project. 

5.) Overall. Describe how the project will positively affect the community during and beyond the grant period and any initial plans for sustainability beyond the grant period. 

• Feasibility (10 points)
  • The timeline, budget, and staffing are realistic and appropriate for the scope of the project.
• Community Impact & Sustainability (10 points)
  • The project shows meaningful potential to positively affect the community during and beyond the grant period

1. Partnership and Key Staff List. This document outlines the primary organizations and individuals involved in the proposed project and should demonstrate the strength and capacity of the team and partnerships supporting the project. It should include: 

• • Names and roles of key staff members responsible for project implementation.
  • Brief bios highlighting relevant experience and qualifications.
  • A list of partner organizations, their roles, and how they will contribute to the project’s success.

2. Letters of Partnership/Support. Formal letters from partner organizations, community stakeholders, or supporters that: 

• Validate partnerships and community buy-in for the proposed initiative.
• Confirm their commitment to the project.
• Describe the nature of their involvement or support (e.g., in-kind contributions, outreach, shared resources).
• Highlight the value and anticipated impact of the project on the community.
• NOTE: Please consolidate letters into a single document for upload.

3. 3-Year Timeline. This document provides a high-level, year-by-year outline of the project’s planned activities, milestones, and evaluation points. While detailed strategic planning will occur throughout the process, this timeline is intended to demonstrate the feasibility of the overall project within the grant period and to outline a realistic pathway toward long-term sustainability. It should include: 

• Plans for major phases of implementation.
• Activities scheduled for each phase, including regular partner meetings.
• Key deliverables and benchmarks.
• Evaluation methods and plans for reporting periods.
• Indicators of progress toward sustainability. 

4. Proof of Arts Advocacy. Advocacy is educating and communicating to the public, including public officials, the importance of the arts and how public support of the arts can and has impacted your community. Examples of arts advocacy proof may include membership in Tennesseans for the Arts, copies of recent letters or emails (within the last 12 months) to state legislators and other state/local elected officials, photos of state/local elected officials at the applicant’s arts events, newspaper articles or social media posts that create awareness about public support for the arts through the organization’s activities (news articles that primarily market events are not acceptable), promoting the Specialty License Plate program and other pertinent print materials. Proof of advocacy must be demonstrated by the applicant organization. Applicants may not submit advocacy efforts conducted by contracted personnel. Multiple examples of arts advocacy will strengthen the application, but only one example that proves advocacy is required. 

If applicable:  

5. Board of Directors List: Only nonprofit organizations with 501(c)3 status upload this document. Entities of government and PK-12 public schools do not provide a Board of Directors List. Note that Commission staff may request that grantees provide additional information about the board including but not limited to contact information and occupation during the grant period. The board list (at the time of application) must include only the following:  

• Full Name
• Email address 
• Number of years on the board
• Length of term(s)
• NEW: Identify Executive Board Members (e.g. President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer)   

NOTE: Double check your board list to make sure it has all 5 pieces of the required information. If your organization’s bylaws do not require term limits, include a statement on the Board List indicating this. Legal requirements state that Commission funds granted to an organization may not be used as a payment of any kind, for any purpose, to members of an organization’s board. 

6. Corporation Annual Report: Only nonprofit organizations with 501(c)3 status upload this document. In lieu of the report required to be filed annually with the Secretary of State’s Office, you may also submit a copy of the email verification issued by the Secretary of State’s Office or a copy of the online verification sheet maintained by the Secretary of State’s Office found here. 

7. Optional Supporting Materials Support Material(s): Applicants may upload one or more support materials that showcase the project.   

• Support materials can include artist resumes, reviews, clippings, photos, brochures, artistic samples, monitoring plans, lesson plans, past evaluations, letters of support, and links to videos directly related to the application proposal.
• Accepted file types include .pdf, .jpg, or .png. For video and audio samples, provide links to projects in the section labeled “Optional Material Link(s)” below the “Documents” section. Please ensure that all external links will be active during the review period.
• NOTE: Please consolidate support materials into a single document where possible.

1. For new applicants, contact Director of Arts Education Chris Sweatt at chris.sweatt@tn.gov or 615-253-8914 to discuss eligibility. 
2. Register to use the Online Grants System as an individual or on behalf of an organization to receive a username and password. Individuals who represent organizations should get their own, individual accounts and not share or “pass down” the username or password among staff. You are strongly advised to register well in advance to the application deadline. Anyone registering close to the deadline date can expect delays in the processing of their grant application. 
3. Log in to the Online Grants System to complete your “Organization” profile and begin an application. 
4. Use the “Organizations” link to the left in your Online Grants System portal to ensure that the record is complete and accurate. This information is as important as the application itself, and incomplete or erroneous data will impact your chances for funding. To open the record for completing/editing, click the “Edit” button at the top of the Organizations screen. 
5. Use the “People” link to ensure that the record is complete and accurate. This information will also be used in the review of the application. To open the record for editing, click the edit button at the top of the screen. 
6. When both your “Organization” and “People” profiles are complete and accurate, select the “Apply for Grants” tab again and click the “Apply for an Annual Grant” link listed on the page 
7. Complete all of the application fields. 
8. Create and upload required attachments. 
9. Submit by Tuesday, January 20, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. (CST). 

NOTE: The forms in this portal do not auto-save. Always click the “Save” button before navigating away from the form you are editing to save your work. 

Beware that clicking the back navigation button on your web browser will exit you from the system and you will lose your work. 

Association or Connection to Multiple Organizations: If you are associated with more than one organization, the organization that you were originally associated with will pre-populate in the organization name field on any newly opened application. To change to another associated organization, simply delete the pre-populated name and type in the correct organization.

Chris Sweatt, Director of Arts Education at Tennessee Arts Commission 

chris.sweatt@tn.gov