TAC grant program deadline set Aug. 18

The Tennessee Arts Commission has announced the continuation of a grant program that provides funding to programs that work with Tennessee’s disadvantaged youth. Funds are made possible through the National Endowment for the Arts Challenge America Program.

This program has become the driving force behind the NEA’s commitment to improve the lives of Americans through the cultivation and development of local cultural and artistic resources. Due to the enthusiasm of Congres-sional leaders or the program, each state arts agency has received increasing amounts of Challenge America money under their Partnership Agree-ment Grant. This year’s amount has been increased to $97,000. The TAC will devote $45,000 of these NEA funds to support projects that focus on using the arts to reach at-risk youth. The Commission views “at-risk youth” as any child or young adult that is at-risk of delinquency and other problem behaviors (e.g. substance abuse, teen pregnancy, crime, truancy, and dropping out of school).

The goal of the Funds for At-Risk Youth is to provide arts activities and educational opportunities to specifically targeted audiences. Emphasis under Arts in Education has always been on exposing students to the arts and providing them with experiences and an appreciation of culture.

Grants awarded in this category will be $500 to $5,000. Applications will only be awarded for projects that serve students from primary and secondary grade levels, and priority will be given to programs that are ongoing. Deadline for organizations and schools to apply for funds is Aug. 18. Applications must be postmarked or in the Commission office that day by 4:30 p.m. (CST). To receive an application, contact Hayden Roberts at 615-532-5934, or e-mail [email protected].