This page contains information related to the 5×5 and Teacher Arts Grants (TAG) Program Proposals for the 2025-2026 School Year. Teachers and administrators, please see timeline below and check back July 21 for the teacher and administrator application.
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.
5×5 and TAG are grant-funded programs. Approved program proposals from arts organizations are included in the online 5×5 and TAG Program Brochure, which is provided to teachers and administrators to select from for their 2025-2026 school year grant application. Teachers and administrators are asked to submit one application for each program their school is requesting. Schools may apply for more than one program, and if they are applying for multiple programs, we recommend no more than six program applications per school.
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.
To be eligible to apply as a 5×5/TAG arts organization, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
Mission and Programs:
All Program Proposals are due in the Online Grant Portal by 11:59 pm, EST Friday, May 23.
Italicized rows are specific to school teachers and administrators, but have been included for arts organization reference. All times listed are EST.
Monday, April 7 | 5×5 and TAG Program Application Opens in the Fund for the Arts (FFTA) Online Grant Portal |
Tuesdays 4-5 pm | Virtual Office Hours with FFTA Staff
Virtual Office Hours provide time for questions and assistance with FFTA staff. Additional resources include the recorded Information Session. |
Friday, May 9 | Deadline to receive staff feedback/assistance on application in advance of application deadline |
By Friday, May 23
11:59 pm |
5×5 and TAG Program Applications Due in the FFTA Online Grant Portal |
By Friday, May 30 | Final 2024-2025 Impact Surveys due in the FFTA Online Grant Portal |
By Friday, June 13 | 2024-2025 5×5 and TAG Invoices must be submitted via email to FFTA
Please see 2024-2025 award email for more information. |
By Friday, June 27 | Applicants Notified of Program Approval Status with Draft Brochure Included for Review |
By Monday, July 14 | Final Brochure Edits Due to FFTA |
Monday, July 21 | Teacher & Administrator Application Opens in the FFTA Online Grant Portal |
Friday, August 22 | Teacher & Administrator deadline to receive staff feedback/assistance on application in advance of application deadline |
By Friday, September 5
11:59 pm |
Teacher & Administrator Applications Due in the FFTA Online Grant Portal |
Monday, September 8-Wednesday, September 24 | 5×5 and TAG Teacher & Administrator Application Review Period |
By Friday, September 26 | Award Announcements emailed to school liaisons and principals + Arts Organizations |
September 29, 2025-May 29, 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 14 | Program Schedules Due in the Fund for the Arts online grant portal |
By Monday, June 1, 2026 | Final Impact Surveys due in the FFTA online Grant Portal*
*Pending School District Approvals |
By Monday, June 15, 2026 | 5×5 and TAG Invoices must be submitted via email to FFTA |
Learn more from the recorded Information Session:
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).