What We Do

ArtsEdConnect is a “marketplace” for Silicon Valley teachers to access local arts education opportunities. In partnership with the Santa Clara County Office of Education, we award mini-grants to teachers who are “shopping” for creative opportunities for their students. The ArtsEdConnect program awards grants to eligible teachers and classrooms in public and charter schools in Santa Clara County to support arts education programming in our schools.

Who We Serve

We serve K-12 public and charter school teachers and their students across Silicon Valley, and the artists and organizations that we are “matchmaking.”

Why It’s Important

Research concludes that engagement in arts and creativity sparks a passion for learning, fuels imagination, and builds relevant skills. ArtsEdConnect helps to increase access to arts education and funding for teachers and their students.

What’s Been Done
  • Secured Warmenhoven Family Foundation's annual investment of $100,000 and County of Santa Clara’s annual investment of $50,000.
  • Awarded nearly $1,000,000 in mini-grants to teachers.
  • Provided arts education opportunities for about 5­­0,000 students.
What’s Next
  • A new grant cycle will open Fall 2026:
    • Grant applications will be accepted August 20, 2026 through September 25, 2026.
    • The ArtsEdConnect Grant Committee will review submitted applications and send out grant award emails by October 10, 2026.
    • The grant funds will be disbursed between November 9 - December 21, 2026.
    • Grants must be expended by April 30, 2027, with final reports due no later than May 31, 2027.
ArtsEdConnect 2026-2027 Educator Grant Options:
  • Arts Experiences Grant – up to $2,500 per teacher
    • Grant funds can be used for classroom workshops delivered in partnership with local artists/arts organizations. Funds can also be used for field trips, museum visits, attending live theater performances, in-class arts programming, or other similar arts experiences.
       
  • Arts Experiences & Materials Grant – up to $3,000 per teacher
    • Funds can be used for a combination of arts experiences and materials in a coherent project. For example, working with a resident artist to produce a play that includes purchasing materials for costumes.
    • These should be procured in support of the primary arts experience.
    • For this grant option, there is a cap of $500 on materials and supplies.
Application Information:

*You may only apply for one grant.

  • Which schools are eligible?
    • Teachers in Santa Clara County public and charter schools are eligible to apply.
      • Note: San Jose Unified teachers are not eligible for this year's grant. 
    • Teachers from districts in other counties are not eligible. 
    • Public and private daycare are not eligible for this grant.
  • Considerations
    • A positive consideration factor will be the Title I status of the school.
    • Number of students impacted.
  • Conditions for Approval
    • Applicants must have approval from their school principal to apply by indicating their approval in the application form.
    • Multiple teachers from one school may apply for a grant. There is a $10,000 cap per school.
    • A single teacher may apply for a grant in their classroom, or a group of teachers from the same school may collaborate and apply for a joint grant. In the case of a coordinated group, one teacher must serve as the lead teacher under which the application is processed.
    • Field trips or events must take place in Santa Clara County to be eligible for funding.
  • Allowable Use of Grant Funds
    • Any materials procured as part of the approved grant should be in support of the primary arts experience.
    • Examples of allowable purchases not listed above:
      • Licenses for age-appropriate plays, musicals
      • Composer commission fees (may only be partially funded)
      • Performance attire (may only be partially funded)
  • Non-allowable Use of Grant Funds
    • Grant funds cannot be used to purchase:
      • Computer hardware or software
      • Swag (e.g., t-shirts, pens, tote bags)

For more information and to add your organization to the list of providers, please contact Tanuja Bahal at tanuja@svcreates.org

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Thanks to our partners at the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) for making this program possible.

Local arts organizations that provide or are interested in providing in-class programming, field trips, matinee performances for youth:

To add your organization to the list of providers, please contact Tanuja Bahal at tanuja@svcreates.org.

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