January seems to be a big month for the arts with some large government grants opening up again.

This week's picks:
1.) The Arts Education Model Design and Dissemination grant was released last week and is concerned with evaluating, documenting and sharing information on effective models for arts education “that integrate the arts with standards-based education programs.” Criteria includes that the model project, (a) serves only elementary school or middle school grades, or both, and (b) is linked to State and national standards intended to enable all students to meet challenging expectations and to improve student and school performance.

The estimated average size awarded for the first year is $250,000. Intent to Apply notice must be submitted by February 13th and applications are due March 14th, 2008. Click here for more information. (CFDA #84.351D)

2.) The Professional Development for Arts Educator – Arts in Education grant focuses on support for high-quality professional development model programs in elementary and secondary education for music, dance, drama, and visual arts educators. The Intent to Apply is February 11th and applications must be submitted electronically through grants.gov by February 29, 2008.

Estimated range of awards is $100,000 to $350,000 for the first year of the project. To learn more about this grant please click here.
(CFDA # or ED #84.351C)

3) The National Endowment for the Arts’ Learning in the Arts for Children and Youth grant is now accepting applications for fiscal year 2008. All projects proposed for this grant must include the learning components of Experience, Study, Performance and Assessment in the arts for children and youth 5 through 18 years of age. The programs may be school- or community based.

Funded projects apply national or state arts education standards. This grant has a June 8, 2008 application deadline and most grant awards will range from $10,000 to $100,000. Click here to learn more. (CFDA No. 45.024)

The Improve Group has been and evaluator for two of these highlighted opportunities: AEMDD grants with Performing Arts Workshop of the San Francisco Bay area and the PDAE grant with Perpich Center for Arts Education here in Minnesota. If you are thinking of applying and are looking for an evaluator, please contact us. We can assist you in writing the evaluation portion of your application.