5x5 and Teacher Arts Grants (TAG)

This page contains information for K-12 school teachers and administrators interested in applying for 5×5 and TAG programs for the 2026-2027 school year. 

Arts Organizations: Program Proposals are no longer being accepted for 2026-2027. Please see timeline below and click here for more information.    

What are the 5×5 and Teacher Arts Grants (TAG)? 

5×5 and Teacher Arts Grants (TAG) support K-12 teachers and administrators in enhancing classroom instruction throughout the Fund for the Arts service area (Bullitt, Jefferson, Oldham, and Shelby counties in Kentucky; and Clark, Floyd, and Harrison counties in Indiana). 5×5 and TAG programs are directly connected to core learning outcomes and complement what students are learning in the classroom.

How do 5×5 and TAG work?  

5×5 and TAG are grant-funded programs. Teachers and administrators request programming from the 5×5/TAG Program Brochure through the Fund for the Arts (FFTA) Online Grant Portal. Applications should be submitted by your school’s appointed 5×5/TAG liaison. If you do not know who your school’s liaison is, or a new liaison is needed, please check with your principal or contact grants@fundforthearts.org. All applications must have principal approval before they are submitted.  

If awarded, FFTA notifies both arts organizations and schools of their award(s). The school works directly with the arts organization to schedule programming. While the school is awarded the program grant, FFTA pays arts organizations for completed awarded programs and pays the schools for awarded Field Trip bus funds.  

Who is eligible to apply? 

K-12 teachers and administrators in Bullitt, Jefferson, Oldham, and Shelby counties in Kentucky; and Clark, Floyd, and Harrison counties in Indiana may apply for 2026-2027 5×5/TAG programs. 5×5/TAG funding can only be awarded to programs occurring during school time, and that are offered in the 5×5/TAG Program Brochure.  

How do I/we apply? 

1. Review the 2026-2027 School Year 5×5 and TAG Program Brochure by clicking here.  
2. Watch the recorded Applicant Information Session below and attend Virtual Office Hours if you have questions or need assistance (see Timeline below for more information).  
3. Submit one application for each program your school is requesting. Schools may apply for more than one program. If your school is applying for more than one program, we recommend no more than four program applications per school.  
4. When your application is complete, make sure you click submit! If you do not receive confirmation from noreply@yourcause.com following submission, check your spam or junk folder before contacting grants@fundforthearts.org to confirm receipt.  

Things to Note:  

1. Pages two and three of the brochure contain important navigational and other information for using the brochure and completing your application.  
2. Buses and transportation are not included with Field Trips. Your school is responsible for getting students to and from the off-site program. If you need additional funds to cover this expense, complete the “Bus Cost” section on the Funding Request page of the application. Fund for the Arts pays schools directly for awarded bus funds.  
3. Contact arts organizations directly with any questions you have about arts programs. Some arts organizations request that you contact them prior to application to confirm details. Arts organization contact information is available beginning on page four of the brochure.  

What is the deadline to apply? 

All applications are due in the Online Grant Portal by 11:59 pm EST, Friday, September 4, 2026.   

If you would like Fund for the Arts staff to review your application and confirm all required information and attachments have been provided before the final deadline, please submit your application(s) by Friday, August 21.  

Early submission is optional and is not required. All applications submitted in the online grant portal by 11:59 pm EST August 21 will receive an administrative review by FFTA staff during the week of August 24. This is not a funding recommendation review. By August 31, FFTA will email applicants about the administrative review notes and options for updating, if needed. Applicants may then update the application for the review period by the final due date, September 4. 

Fund for the Arts staff is unable to provide technical support past 12 pm noon, Friday, September 4, 2026. 

Preliminary Timeline  

Monday, July 20	Teacher & Administrator Application Opens in the FFTA Online Grant Portal
Tuesdays 4-5 pm	Virtual Office Hours with FFTA Staff    Zoom Link: Join Zoom  Meeting ID: 835 5540 2129  Passcode: 393225  Call-In Number: +1 (312) 626-6799  Virtual Office Hours provide time for questions and assistance with FFTA staff. Additional resources include the recorded Information Session.
Friday, August 21	Deadline to receive staff feedback/assistance on application in advance of application deadline
By Friday, September 4 , 11:59 pm	Teacher & Administrator Applications Due in the FFTA Online Grant Portal
Monday, September 7 -Thursday, September 24	Application Review Period
By Friday, September 25	Award Announcements emailed to school liaisons and principals + Arts Organizations
September 28, 2025-May 28, 2026	Programs may begin after scheduling with arts organizations; All Teaching Artists must have required background checks complete prior to starting their program(s).
Friday, November 13	Program Schedules Due in the FFTA Online Grant Portal
By Friday, May 27, 2027	Final Impact Surveys due in the FFTA Online Grant Portal*   *Pending School District Approvals
By Monday, June 15, 2027	5×5/TAG Invoices must be submitted via email to FFTA

Italicized rows are specific to arts organizations. All times listed are EST.   

Information Session

Learn more from the recorded Teacher & Administrator Applicant Virtual Information Session:  COMING SOON

Apply!

 

Questions? 

Contact the Fund for the Arts Community Investment & Support Team at grants@fundforthearts.org or join Virtual Office Hours Tuesday 4 – 5 pm (see Timeline for more information).