Grant Programs

We are no longer accepting applications for this grant program. Next year's deadline will be January 28^th (the 4^th Thursday). Please make note.

This award, supported by the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation, is intended for students who are seriously considering pursuing a career in the arts. Funds for this program support enrichment opportunities such as private lessons, summer programs, or specialized workshops for students as they build toward their post-secondary plans. Applicants will be requires to submit samples of their work and be prepared to speak to their post-secondary plans and how this project will support this path.

• Average grant award: $1,000
• Deadline: fourth Thursday of January 
• Scholarship decision announced: Mid-March 
• Scholarship funds must be used June 1-May 31 
• Grant Guidelines

Originally conceived and funded by Barry Ross, this grant program is designed for students whose artistic equipment needs an upgrade to inspire their continued growth. Supported by the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation, this merit-based award is reserved for students whose artistic development shows trajectory toward a career in the arts which will be amplified by access to new artistic equipment. Applicants will be required to submit samples of their work and speak to their artistic impact on the community.

• Average grant award range: $150-$3,000
• Deadline: fourth Thursday of February
• Scholarship decision announced: Late April 
• Scholarship funds must be used June 1-May 31 
• Grant Guidelines

EFA Irving S. Gilmore Student Artistic Equipment Grant Application

We are no longer accepting applications for this grant program. Next year's deadline will be January 28^th (the 4^th Thursday). Please make note.

The Student Art Engagement grant is open to any students in Kalamazoo County who is interested in out-of-school artistic study. Funds from this program can be used toward private or group lessons, summer artistic study, specialized workshops, etc. Applicants should be prepared to discuss how this project will make them a better artist, musician, dancer, actor, etc.

• Average grant award amounts:
  • K-2nd - $200
  • 3rd-5th - $300
  • 6th-8th - $400
  • 9th-11th - $500
• Deadline: fourth Thursday of January 
• Scholarship decision announced: Mid-March 
• Scholarship funds must be used June 1-May 31 

This program supports K-12 educators who are seeking support for special classroom projects or artistic engagements for their students. Past grant projects have included specialized supplies for the creation of a new work, artistic fees for visiting artists, support for off-site field trips, etc. Application should include the estimated number of students who will be impacted, a timeline for the project, and details about guest artists involved.

• Average grant award range: $1,000-$5,000
• Deadline: fourth Thursday of March 
• Scholarship decision announced: Late April/Early May 
• Scholarship funds must be used June 1-May 31 
• Grant Guidelines

EFA Class Project for Educators Grant Application

The Artistic Development Grant program supports K-12 educators in the KRESA service area on professional development activities that will enhance their instructional practices. Past grant projects have included private lessons in a new method/technique, fees associated with workshops or professional conferences, online learning modules, etc. Application should include information about how the activity will benefit students.

• Average grant award range: $1,000-$2,500
• Deadline: fourth Thursday of March 
• Scholarship decision announced: Late April/Early May 
• Scholarship funds must be used June 1-May 31 
• Grant Guidelines

EFA Artistic Development Grant for Educators and Teaching Artists

Since 2003, EFA has provided a bus transportation rebate for students attending fine arts and cultural events occurring in Kalamazoo County. To be eligible, schools must be located within the Kalamazoo RESA service district and be a public K-12 school, an alternative education or special education program, or a private K-12 school that has opted-in to EFA programs. 

Schools are responsible for a flat rate of $50 per bus round-trip. Schools pay their transportation invoices in full upon receipt and submit a rebate request to EFA. The rebate program reimburses school districts for the total cost of the trip minus the required $50 per bus contribution. 

The rebate applies only to school bus transportation to pre-approved events in Kalamazoo County. It does not cover parking expenses, transportation via personal vehicles, out-of-county travel, or ineligible events. 

Rebate requests are due on January 8, 2027, and June 1, 2027. Late requests cannot be reimbursed.  All requests must be submitted using the online Bus Rebate Request form.

Checks will be issued to school districts rather than to individual schools, except for private schools or when a PTO needs to be reimbursed.