ARTS NOW MARIN EDUCATION GRANTS

Arts Now Marin Education Grants​

Deadline: open now through Friday, December 4, 2026, at 5 PM PT

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Made possible with the support of the Marin Community Foundation, Arts Now Marin Education Grants will award grants from $500 to $5,000, totaling $50,000. The grant program, which is also part of Arts Now Marin, a countywide collaboration spearheaded by MCA in partnership with Marin County Office of Education and Youth in Arts, supports TK-5 public schools, educators, and school-based partners in expanding equitable access to high-quality arts education for Marin County students. By identifying barriers, expanding opportunities, fostering collaboration and informing future investment in equitable arts education, this grant program works to strengthen Marin's arts education ecosystem.

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Who May Apply?

All applicants must fit one of the following categories:

• Marin County public school​

• Credentialed classroom teacher working in Marin County

• Credentialed arts educators working in Marin County

• School administrators working in Marin County

• Parent organizations applying in partnership with a school in Marin County

• After-school programs working directly with Marin County schools

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Collaborative applications among schools, educators, and community partners are encouraged.​ ​If an individual educator's project is selected for funding, grant funds will be paid to and administered through the educator's school, school district, PTA/PTO, education foundation, arts education organization, or another eligible school or community partner on behalf of the approved project. ​

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What Can Funds Be Used For?

• Art supplies and instructional material

• Art-based student field trips

• Visiting artists, workshops, performances, and residencies

• Student-created exhibitions and showcases

• Arts integration projects

• School performances

• Professional development supporting arts education

• Student-led creative projects

• Collaborations with community-based organizations

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What Cannot Be Supported by Grant Funds?

Applicants should review the complete Grant Guidelines for their selected program before applying. Each grant program has specific eligibility requirements and restrictions on the use of grant funds.

• General school or district operating expenses

• Construction, facility improvements, or debt repayment

• Food, hospitality, or fundraising expenses

• Political lobbying or religious activities

• Expenses incurred before the grant award or outside the grant period

• Any expense not directly related to the proposed arts education project

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​Arts Now Marin Education Grant Calendar

Applications Open: September 21, 2026

Applications Close: December 4, 2026, at 5:00 PM

Award Notifications & Grant Agreements Issued: January 11, 2027

Anticipated Grant Funds Distribution: February 1, 2027

Project Activity Period: February 1 – May 30, 2027

Final Report Due: June 11, 2027

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Grant Recipient Recognition

Grant recipients and their funded activities will be featured on MCA's website, social media, and through a public press release, celebrating their contributions to the cultural life of Marin County and helping advance arts for all.

 

MCA Arts Grants

MCA's flagship annual grant program, MCA Arts Grants, will continue in Fall 2027, supporting Marin County artists, arts organizations, and creative collectives. Please visit marincultural.org for Fall 2027 application details, eligibility, and key dates.