WHAT IS THE ARTS EDUCATION SPECIAL INITIATIVE PROGRAM
The Arts Education Special Initiative Program (AESI) is a two-year grant program that provides support for innovative arts education projects that make substantial contributions to arts education in NJ schools (public, private, and parochial) and youth agencies such as Juvenile Justice Commission facilities serving children and youth in grades Pre-K-12.
Priority will be given to arts learning projects that target disenfranchised student populations that have been disproportionately impacted by pandemic related education disruptions with tailored programs that address equity and access to quality arts learning in remote, hybrid or in-person learning environments, or the social and emotional health of children and youth.
AESI grants are intended to be incubator support to help organizations develop new arts education programs. Well-developed, substantial expansion plans for existing programs that show a shift in methodologies, strategies, formats, art forms, program design, or other major changes will also be considered for AESI funding.
This category does not support on-going or multiple programs, previously funded programs, or the general operations of an organization. AESI funded projects must be wholly dedicated to arts learning and the applicant should clearly demonstrate its commitment to the project.
HOW TO APPLY FOR AN AESI GRANT
A Notice of Intent to Apply (NOI) is the first required step in the application process. The Council will not accept an application that was not preceded by a NOI.
To file a NOI, an applicant must be registered in the SAGE system. The purpose of the NOI is to provide Council staff with the opportunity to assess potential applicants by previewing proposals and ensuring eligibility requirements are met. The NOI form is not binding. More information about how to submit an NOI in SAGE can be found in the guidelines.
GRANT PERIOD
Grants available through this application are for the period July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022.
IMPORTANT DATES
February 3, 2021: Notice of Intent efiled in SAGE by 4:00 PM EST
February 11, 2021: FY22 application opens in SAGE (Please note: the application will only be made available to eligible organizations vetted through the NOI review.)
March 25, 2021: Application efiled in SAGE by 4:00 PM EST
Guidelines are available in both English and Spanish.
