The application process for AthFest Educates grants for the 2026-2027 school year is now open.
The nonprofit provides grants for up to $5,000 for qualifying recipients and their projects. The funds support music and arts education. Mary Joyce is Executive Director of AthFest Educates.
“We provide funding to arts educators that are serving Clarke County School District K-12 students,” according to Joyce. “So, that could be teachers in Clarke County, it could be nonprofits, it could be local government programs as well.”
Those interested in applying should visit athfesteducates.org. Applicants must describe what the project is, submit a budget, provide goals and outcomes. on the application. The grants committee will then select the awardees. There are three categories for grants.
Mary Joyce explains, “First, equipment, so this could be musical instruments, digital cameras, supplies. The second category is programs and experiences, performances, field trips, having an artist in residence in your school. The third category is professional development. This is for arts educators to be able to continue their education by going to conferences, obtaining certificates, and that type of thing."
Applications will be accepted through August 28. To date, AthFest Educates has distributed over $750,000 in grant funding.
