National Art Education Foundation

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.

A sister organization to the National Art Education Association (NAEA), NAEF helps fund a variety of visual arts education programs for the Association and its members, providing $630,000 for NAEA Initiatives since 2011.

NAEF 40 FOR 40 CAMPAIGN

Count me in!

Celebrating 40 Years Of Support For NAEA Members

To celebrate its 40th Anniversary, NAEF aims to raise $40,000 by December 2025 for grants and services. If you can donate $40 to help us celebrate the 40 years of support for NAEA members that would be wonderful. If you can donate $4 to support the work of your NAEA peers, great! If you can donate $1000 to help us do more to help you, fantastic! Any donation amount is welcome, especially during this special time, our anniversary year. Donations are tax-deductible and will be recognized on the NAEF website (unless you prefer anonymity) and in the 2026 NAEA National Convention Program.

2025 NAEF Donor Commemorations

Maria Spencer
From the Beta Omicron sisters of Theta Phi Alpha

Andee Rudloff
In honor and memory of my mom, Rita Howton Rudloff, the most fearlessly creative person I’ve ever known!

2026-2027 Grants Program

Applications for the 2026-2027 NAEF Grant Cycle are now open! Please review the grant guidelines before completing your application. Apply by October 1, 2025.

Learn more about grants

2024-2025 Grant Recipients

The NAEF Board of Trustees has announced the 2024-2025 Grant Awards. View the list of 2024 NAEF Grant Recipients for project dates: July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.

View 2024 recipient list

NAEF Board of Trustees: Call for Nominations

Deadline: Monday, September 8

NAEF seeks nominations to fill two Trustee positions opening in spring 2026. NAEF Trustees are volunteer NAEA members who review grant proposals, serve on committees, and participate in the annual Board of Trustees meeting held the day before the NAEA National Convention. There is no compensation for time, travel, or lodging. This is a voluntary position.

To nominate yourself or a colleague, email Cris Guenter, Chair of the NAEF Nominations Committee, at cguenter@csuchico.eduwith the nominee’s name and contact information. The nomination deadline is September 8, 2025.

Support the National Art Education Foundation

Donate Online Now

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.

Planned Giving Program Prospectus NAEF Donor Commemoration Form