National Art Education Foundation

OVERVIEW: The National Art Education Foundation is an offshoot of the National Art Education Association, the largest professional organization of art educators in the United States. The foundation supports professional development, the integration of art in curricula, research on art education and the purchase of educational equipment through its grantmaking programs.

IP TAKE: The National Art Education Foundation supports art educators by funding professional development, the integration of art in curricula, research on art education and the purchase of educational equipment. This foundation’s funding is only accessible to members of the National Art Education Association. To be eligible for funding, become a member first. It’s accessible once you’re a member, but somewhat bureaucratic.

PROFILE: Founded in 1947 and based in Alexandria, Virginia, the National Art Education Foundation (NAEF) is the philanthropic offshoot of the National Art Education Association, the leading professional organization of art educators in the U.S. The foundation “invests in innovative initiatives to support instructional practice, research and leadership in visual arts education,” running five separate awards programs each year. Its funding areas include professional development, the integration of art in general curricula, research on art education, implementation of the National Visual Arts Standards and the improvement of teaching. 

Grants for Education and the Arts

NAEF supports the professional development of art educators through its Ruth Halvorsen Professional Development Grants, which are directed toward art teachers who wish to improve or enhance their practice through further training in a specific field of visual arts. In the area of curriculum integration, Mary McMullan Grants support the development of models, pilot projects or policies that bring standards-based art education into general education curricula in meaningful ways. NAEF’s Research Grants support projects, usually by university-based researchers, that advance knowledge about art education and its importance to student learning. The foundation’s Teacher Incentive Grants are aimed at research or exploratory projects that are classroom-based and led by art teachers. Art educators may also obtain funding for the purchase of equipment that will significantly improve their practice through NAEF’s SHIP Grants.  

Important Grant Details:

NAEF’s Halvorsen, McMullan and teacher incentive grants are available for up to $2,500. The maximum amount available for research grants is $10,000, and SHIP equipment grants are generally $500. Guideline and application packets as well as a list of previous grantees are available for download on the foundation website

NAEF accepts applications from individuals who are members of the association. It does not accept proposals from nonmembers, nonprofit organizations, schools or universities. Applications must be submitted by mail and are generally due in the fall, with awards announced in June. Submit general inquiries to the foundation via email.

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