Nebraska Arts Council Creative Aging Arts Program FY2026-2027

Nebraska nonprofit organizations, public agencies, assisted living facilities, senior centers, public libraries, housing authorities, area offices on aging, and other qualifying organizations serving adults age 55+ may apply for up to $3,000 to hire a Nebraska Arts Council teaching artist for a creative-aging residency. Applications are rolling and must be submitted at least six weeks before the event date.

Broad Eligibility

Federally tax-exempt nonprofit organizations incorporated in Nebraska, public agencies, and subdivisions of governmental agencies. Assisted living facilities, senior centers, public libraries, housing authorities, area offices on aging, and nonprofit organizations serving adults age 55+ are specifically encouraged to apply.

Atlas Analysis

Opportunity Overview

The Nebraska Arts Council (NAC) Creative Aging Arts Program supports sequential arts workshops for older adults. Grant funds are used to hire a trained NAC teaching artist for a residency that combines arts learning with intentional social engagement and culminates in a special event or sharing activity.

Current Funding Cycle

NAC is currently accepting FY2026-2027 floating-deadline grant applications for projects taking place from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Awards and payments remain contingent on NAC receiving federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Deadline

Applications must be submitted at least six weeks before the event date. Applications are reviewed in the order received on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis.

Funding

Maximum award: $3,000. No match is required.

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants include federally tax-exempt nonprofit organizations incorporated in Nebraska, public agencies, and subdivisions of governmental agencies. NAC specifically encourages assisted living facilities, senior centers, public libraries, housing authorities, area offices on aging, and nonprofit organizations serving adults age 55 and older to apply.

Program Requirements

Applicants select a teaching artist from the Nebraska Arts Council Creative Aging roster. The residency should use sequential arts lessons that help participants develop skills, foster social engagement, and culminate in a special event or sharing activity.

Submission

Applications are submitted through the Nebraska Arts Council online grant system. First-time applicants may contact NAC grants staff for assistance with the grant system.

Atlas Assessment

Atlas Opportunity Score: 82/100. This is a legitimate Nebraska aging-services and assisted-living funding opportunity with a clear allowable use, no required match, and an active rolling application structure. N9+ Fit: 0/100 because the program is restricted to teaching-artist creative-aging residencies rather than clinical technology or diagnostic equipment. Dr. Miltie direct-applicant/direct-vendor fit: 0/100.