This year, the Nebraska Arts Council will once again offer the School Bus for the Arts Grant Program. Through this program, the NAC awards grants of up to $500 to Pre-K to grade 12 schools to underwrite the cost of transportation and admission fees for arts-related field trips.

Since 2007, the NAC has provided approximately $130,000 in grants to over 350 schools in this popular program, benefitting over 28,000 students and teachers across the state. “This program gives many students in Nebraska their first chance to see and hear professional artists first-hand,” states Marty Skomal, NAC Director of Programs and manager of the School Bus for the Arts Program.

Eligible applicants are Nebraska accredited public or private schools, pre-K through grade 12. Applicants may apply for one grant per school year. The field trip must involve travel to an arts or cultural performance, exhibit, activity, or program. Travel and expenses associated with student competitions and/or student performances, such as band festivals, choir and theatre performance tours are not eligible. Priority will be given to schools and communities that lack access to arts or cultural programs due to geography, economic conditions, ethnic background or disability. The percentage of students utilizing free/reduced lunch will be one indicator of the level of need.

Applications must be received by the NAC four weeks prior to the field trip.

Applications are reviewed in the order in which they are received. To determine availability of funds in advance, email nac.grants@nebraska.gov and enter “School Bus Funds Available” in the subject line and state the name of your school and the date of the field trip in the email. The program will close for the fiscal year once all funds are awarded.

To download the School Bus grant guidelines and application: click here.

Photo: School bus grant funds provided Holling Heights school children an opportunity to see Opera Omaha's production of "Hansel and Gretel"