Michigan: Equipment & Supplies Grant for Schools

Michigan public education students celebrate their grant of new classroom arts supplies. Photo courtesy Michigan Youth Arts Association

Last year, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) conducted a gap analysis of arts education in the state and concluded that what arts teachers most need are basic supplies for their classroom. In response, MCACA launched its Art Equipment and Supplies Grant. Through this program, which is administered by MCACA’s partner, the Michigan Youth Arts Association, MCACA offers up to $2,500 to K-12 schools to pay for art materials, equipment and equipment repairs. There is a 100% grantee-match requirement, which may be met by teacher or volunteer time instead of cash. Grants are available for all arts disciplines—including the visual arts, vocal music, instrumental music, theatre, dance, media arts and creative writing—but must be used in direct relation to Michigan’s core education curriculum. In its first year, the program received funding requests valued at three times the program’s budget, indicating that MCACA’s strategy to help ensure arts education for all students is well received by arts educators and principals across the state. To learn more about the new grant program, contact MCACA Arts Education Manager Chad Badgero.