Special COVID Policy
If you can’t bring your students to the arts, then bring the arts to your students. Until further notice, NAC’s School Bus
for the Arts Grants can be used to hire professional arts organizations for an in-school program such as a concert,
performance, or interactive workshop. The following guidelines still apply to all SBA grant requests.
Program Description
The School Bus for the Arts Program provides grants for PK-12 students to underwrite the cost of field trips to attend
professional arts events such as concerts, dance or theatre performances and cultural exhibits at museums or other
venues. Field trips may also include learning opportunities such as theatre workshops led by professional artists.
Allowable expenses include transportation, admission fees, and associated workshop fees, if applicable.
Eligibility
Nebraska accredited public or private schools, pre-K through grade 12 or nonprofit organizations that serve PK-12
students.
Restrictions of the Category
• The field trip must involve travel to a professional arts or cultural performance, exhibit, activity, or program.
• Associated activities or workshops must be conducted by professionals in the art field and approved by NAC staff
through the application process.
• Travel and expenses associated with student competitions and/or student performances, such as band festivals,
choir and theatre performance tours, etc., 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.
How to Apply
Your school or non-profit must first be registered in NAC’s online grant system, which can be accessed by following
www.artscouncil.nebraska.gov/grants/. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact NAC by email at
nac.grants@nebraska.gov or call 1-800-341-4067 (statewide), or in Omaha at 402-595-2124.
Deadline
• Applications must be submitted to NAC four weeks or more prior to the date of the field trip.
• A school or organization may submit one or more applications per year as long as the maximum amount listed
below is not exceeded within the same school year.
• Applications are reviewed in the order in which they are received. The program will close once all funds have
been awarded.
NEW Grant Amount Limits
New optional application process: School districts now have the option to include multiple schools within a single
Schools or organizations serving between 1 – 100 students A maximum of $400 per school year.
Schools or organizations serving between 101 – 200 students A maximum of $600 per school year.
Schools or organizations serving between 201 – 400 students A maximum of $800 per school year.
Schools or organizations serving more than 401 students A maximum of $1000 per school year.
New optional application process: School districts now have the option to include multiple schools within a single
application through the new Central Office Application process. Interested applicants must contact NAC staff prior to
submitting an application. Email nac.grants@nebraska.gov or call 402-595-2122 to schedule a conversation.
Payment
Applicants will receive an email notifying them of their award status. If awarded, it will be necessary to login to the
online grant system to view the terms and conditions and accept the grant.
This is a reimbursement grant program. Actual payment of grant funds will not be made until after the field trip
is completed and final report documents are submitted. Final reports are due within 30 days after the field trip
and are submitted through NAC’s online grant system.
Please assemble the following documents prior to submitting your final report:
1. A copy of the invoice from the bus company, or an invoice from the school district stating the exact cost of the
bus (only if there were transportation costs).
2. A copy of receipts from the event admission or workshop fees, if applicable.
3. Copies of letters or emails sent to elected officials such as state legislators or school board members. Letters
should indicate that the school is a recipient of a NAC School Bus for the Arts Grant and should thank them for
their support of the arts.
4. Photos of the event (optional): up to 3 photos and max file size 2MB each.
NAC will reimburse the grantee for actual costs up to the amount of the grant within 60 days after receipt of the final
report. Final reports must be received within 90 days of the field trip End Date. Final reports not received by that time
will forfeit their reimbursement award