National Art Education Foundation Grants

Overview

NAEF is a nonprofit organization that provides grants to NAEA members to support instructional practice, research, and leadership in visual arts education. As an independent philanthropic organization, NAEF has supported 395 individual projects since its inception in 1985.

Eligibility

Open to NAEA members with at least one year of continuous membership prior to application. For the October 1, 2026 deadline, applicants will need to have been members since October 2025, with no lapses in membership. State/province associations and NAEA recognized special issues groups are also eligible. NAEA members cannot apply on behalf of their nonprofit organization or institution.

Grant Types & Amounts

• Ruth Halvorsen Professional Development Grants: up to $3,000 for proposals focusing on the National Visual Arts Standards
• Mary McMullan Grants: up to $3,000 for establishing and improving art instruction in elementary, secondary, and higher education schools
• NAEF Research Grants: up to $10,500 for research investigating the impact and importance of arts education in student learning
• SHIP Grants: up to $1,000 for art equipment to improve teaching and student learning related to the National Visual Arts Standards
• Teacher Incentive Grants: up to $3,000 for projects promoting improvement of art teaching, including classroom-based action research

Key Dates

• Annual Guidelines Posted: on or before August 15
• Application Deadline: October 1 at 11:59 pm ET
• Application Review: October–March
• NAEF Trustees Recommendation Meeting: March or April during NAEA Convention
• Notification of Awards: June 1
• Project Period: July 1–June 30
• Funding Released: on or after July 1 (upon request, after meeting requirements)
• Final Report Due: within 30 days of project completion

Application

The application for the 2027-2028 NAEF Grant Cycle is now open. Applicants must submit a proposal online. A grant proposal is required.