2025-2026 Education in School Grant

The Community Partnership Grants – Education In-School, offered by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, are designed to support Louisiana K-12 schools in their efforts to promote music and art education. These grants are part of the Foundation’s broader mission to preserve and encourage the cultural heritage of Louisiana through various programs, including festivals, education, and civic initiatives. The 2025-2026 grant cycle supports instructional activities occurring between September 1, 2025, and August 31, 2026, and aims to enhance student access to quality education in music, arts, and cultural traditions. These grants specifically fund music and art programs taking place during school hours, after school, or during the summer, provided that all activities occur on the applying school’s premises. The eligible disciplines include music, media arts, visual arts, theatre, spoken word, culinary arts, cultural traditions, dance, and multidisciplinary programs. Only Louisiana K-12 public, private, and parochial schools may apply. Nonprofit organizations, individuals, and commercial entities are not eligible. Each school is limited to one application, and submissions must be supported by a letter on official school letterhead signed by the principal, chief administrative officer, or board chair. Funding awards are up to $7,500, though actual grants may be less than the requested amount. Acceptable expenditures include instruments, supplies, visiting teaching artist fees, transportation, and after-school or summer instruction—all limited to the school premises. The grant will not fund teacher salaries, administrative expenses, commercial performances, events outside the grant period or location, or non-instructional costs such as food or lobbying. Applications must be submitted via the Foundation’s online portal by Monday, July 14, 2025, at 11 p.m. CDT. Awards will be announced via email by August 11, 2025. Applicants with outstanding final reports from previous years must submit them by September 1, 2025, or risk forfeiting new funding. Final reports for the 2025-2026 cycle must be submitted by September 1, 2026, including receipts, photographic evidence, and acknowledgment materials demonstrating the Foundation’s sponsorship. The grant application requires organizations to provide a federal EIN, proof of nonprofit status, and the required support letter. Proposals are scored based on alignment with the Foundation’s mission (10 points), artistic/educational/historic merit (40 points), community impact (40 points), and project feasibility (10 points). Grants are disbursed following contract execution and submission of a W-9 form. Applicants may also be required to provide media content or participate in promotional activities. For questions, applicants are encouraged to contact the Foundation's Programs, Marketing, and Communications department via email at [email protected] or by phone at (504) 558-6100.