AWE Arts Classroom Grants

Arts in Western Education (AWE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to strengthening and expanding the arts in the six schools of the Western Albemarle County Public Schools feeder pattern. Through our teacher grants program, AWE provides direct funding to help arts educators bring creative projects and opportunities to life in their classrooms. To date, AWE has awarded over $84,000 in grants, and looks forward to funding more grants this school year!

GRANTS FOR THE 2025/2026 SCHOOL YEAR ARE OPEN FROM JANUARY 29-FEBRUARY 28.

Eligibility

All arts educators (Visual Arts, Music, Orchestra, Band, Choir, Theater) in the following schools are eligible to apply:

  • Brownsville Elementary

  • Crozet Elementary

  • V.L. Murray Elementary

  • Ivy Elementary

  • Henley Middle School

  • Western Albemarle High School

Grant Award Size

Educators may apply for grants of up to $1,500 to support classroom projects, performances, equipment, and other arts-related needs.

Grant Timeline

  • January: Grant cycle opens

  • February 28, 2026: Applications due

  • Early March: AWE Board reviews applications

  • Mid-March: Applicants notified by email

  • March 27: Grant recipients announced and honored at ArtsFest

  • April: Grant funds disbursed to schools

  • January 15 (following year): Final grant report due via online form

Grant Requirements

  • Completion of an online grant application

  • Periodic updates on grant use (brief anecdotes and/or photos emailed to artsinwesterneduction@gmail.com)

  • Submission of a final grant report via online form

ArtsFest Participation

Grant recipients are kindly encouraged to attend ArtsFest, AWE’s primary fundraising event that makes these grants possible. AWE welcomes student artwork, performances, and demonstrations for display and presentation—please consider participating if able.

Grant Application & Funding Process

  1. Teachers apply using a short online application form.

    • Applicants are strongly encouraged to share the email confirmation of submission with their school bookkeeper.

  2. Upon award, AWE will email a grant award letter to the teacher and copy the school bookkeeper using the contact information provided.

  3. Grant funds are issued as a check payable to Albemarle County Public Schools, with clear identification of the teacher and school.

  4. The check is delivered to the school bookkeeper, who will process it according to ACPS procedures.

    • Purchases may not be made until grant funds are received.

  5. A final grant report is due January 15 of the following year and must be submitted before applying for a future grant.

    • Reports may be submitted earlier once funds are spent and impact is evident.

GRANT APPLICATION