NAEF Grants

The National Art Education Foundation (NAEF) invests in innovative initiatives to support instructional practice, research, and leadership in visual arts education. As an independent, philanthropic organization, NAEF has supported 395 individual projects for NAEA members since its inception in 1985.

Upcoming Grant Cycle

NAEF guidelines and submission information for the July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027 Project Year will be available here in mid-August 2025.

 

Download Grants Overview

Overview of NAEF Grants and Grants Cycle

NAEF is a nonprofit organization that specifically provides grants to NAEA members. As such, other nonprofits and organizations cannot apply for our grants. As a NAEA member, you can submit a proposal for consideration. The annual grant cycle begins in late August when grant proposals for the year become available. NAEF grant proposals are then due by October 1.

The NAEF Board of Trustees review all the proposals during late fall and into winter. The following spring at the annual NAEA Convention, the Trustees hold a board meeting and approve the selected grants for funding.

Recipients of the NAEF grants are notified on June 1 and beginning on July 1, with the proper paperwork completed and submitted, they can request their funding. The actual grant period runs from July 1 to June 30. A final report is submitted to NAEF at the completion of the grant.

Eligibility:

The NAEF Grant Program is open to NAEA members with at least one year of continuous membership prior to application. For the October 1, 2025 deadline, applicants must have been members since October 2024, with no lapses in membership. State/province associations and NAEArecognized special issues groups are also eligible to apply. NAEA members cannot apply on behalf of the nonprofit organization or institution where they work.

Questions?

Contact Lauren Correll, NAEF Grants & Board Relations Manager naef@naea.arteducators.org

Grant Types

Ruth Halvorsen Professional Development Grants

up to $3,000

Annual scholarships are awarded to selected art educators whose proposals focus on understanding, implementation, and issues specifically relating to the National Visual Arts Standards and support the improvement of the teaching of art.

Mary McMullan Grants

up to $3,000

Annual grants are awarded to selected art educators to establish and/or improve the instruction of art in public and private elementary and secondary schools as well as schools of higher education in the U.S. The following areas of classroom-based action research will be considered for funding: 1) Curriculum Models, 2) Pilot Projects, and 3) Policy Models.

NAEF Research Grants

up to $10,500

Annual grants are awarded to art educators whose proposals focus on the themes and ideas for research identified in this document. NAEF encourages the submissions of proposals to conduct research that investigates the impact and importance of arts education in student learning and provides hard data to support the findings of the research.

SHIP Grants

up to $1,000

Annual grants are awarded to selected art educators whose proposals seek art equipment to enable the art educator to improve the teaching of art and which are used to focus on student learning specifically related to the National Visual Arts Standards.

Teacher Incentive Grants

up to $3,000

Annual grants are awarded to art educators whose proposals support projects that promote the improvement of the teaching of art. Teaching of art includes, but is not limited to, classroom-based action research in the following areas: the instructional process; curriculum; student learning; student assessment; classroom behavior, management, or discipline; or other practices relating to instructional interaction and the achievement of student learning.

Grants Program Calendar

Annual Guidelines Posted on NAEF website: On or before August 15

Application deadline: October 1 (11:59 pm ET)

Application review process by NAEF Trustees: October – March

NAEF Trustees Annual Meeting – recommendations regarding grant applications: March or April during NAEA Convention

Notification Regarding Awards (funded and not funded): June 1

Project Begin/End: July 1 – June 30

Funding Released Upon request: on or after July 1 (after meeting requirements for release of funds provided in award letter)

Final Report Due: Within 30 days of project completion

SUPPORT THE NATIONAL ART EDUCATION FOUNDATION

Donate today and make an investment in the future of visual arts education. Your contribution will help provide professional development for art educators, classroom supplies for innovative projects, curriculum development for art classrooms, and ground-breaking research in visual arts education.

Please make a commitment to the advancement of visual arts education by contributing to the National Art Education Foundation (NAEF). NAEF acknowledges all donations. Donors can expect an automatic acknowledgement for online donations. All donors, including those who submit donations online, along with membership dues, or through check by mail, will receive a separate letter of acknowledgement in the month following the donation.

All contributions are tax-deductible.