Status
Open and currently accepting applications. Last authoritative verification: September 23, 2026.
Opportunity
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Teaching and Learning Unit, is accepting competitive applications for the FY2027 Supporting Arts & Cultural Vitality grant, Fund Code 0718. The program supports Massachusetts schools using DESE’s Arts & Cultural Vitality (ACV) Index and model to review arts programming, develop action plans, implement improvements, monitor impact, and, for advanced returning participants, mentor newer teams.
Deadline
Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern. DESE states that proposals must be received by 5:00 p.m. Eastern. Competitive applications are considered submitted only after they reach the LEA Superintendent / Chief Executive Approved stage in GEM$.
Funding
Approximately $80,000 statewide is available through Massachusetts State Line Item 7010-0033. DESE states that the total number and amount of awards will depend on the quality of proposals received. The governing RFP does not publish one universal per-applicant award cap.
Eligible Applicants
All Massachusetts public school districts, charter schools, and collaboratives are eligible to apply. An LEA may have a single school or a group of schools participate. Priority is given to new applicants and to districts and schools in the strategic transformation region.
Program Tracks
- Track 1: New recipients conduct an arts program review using the ACV Index.
- Track 2: Returning recipients use prior review findings to develop an action plan.
- Track 3a: Returning recipients implement and monitor an ACV action plan.
- Track 3b: Advanced returning recipients continue implementation and monitoring and may mentor Track 1 participants.
Allowable Uses
Funds may support stipends for ACV team members and grant-related administrative costs. Eligible team members may receive stipends of up to $1,000 each, subject to district policy and contract language, for approximately 8–10 hours of work outside regular school hours. Applicants may additionally request up to $225 for grant-related administrative costs such as materials.
Unallowable Uses
DESE states that funds may not be used to purchase technology such as iPads or headphones, data systems, instructional resources or student activity materials, costs associated with hiring and onboarding a new position, the procurement process for a contractor, or existing staff positions.
Match / Cost Share
The governing DESE funding page does not state a match or cost-share requirement. Applicants should follow any later DESE amendment or written clarification if one is issued.
Required Participation
At least one grant facilitator must participate in DESE-hosted professional learning community sessions. The launch meeting is scheduled for November 9, 2026, followed by track-specific sessions during the 2026–2027 school year. DESE also requires grant deliverables appropriate to the selected track and reserves the right to observe one or more review meetings in a non-evaluative capacity.
Submission Method
Applications are submitted through the Grants for Education Management System (GEM$). Required materials include the FY27 Fund Code 0718 GEM$ application, responses to the application questions, and the Superintendent Agreement. New organizations without an established LEA in GEM$ must request temporary organization access from DESE at least five business days before the due date.
Project Period
Upon approval through June 30, 2027, with a separate continuing application process for eligible summer FY28 spending from July 1 through August 31, 2027.
Atlas Fit Analysis
Atlas Opportunity Score: 78/100. This is a legitimate school-funding opportunity with clear eligibility, a defined state application process, and a practical grant-writing/support use case. Strategic value is moderated by the approximately $80,000 statewide pool and relatively limited allowable spending structure.
School Funding Fit: 88/100. The program directly serves Massachusetts public school districts, charter schools, and collaboratives.
N9+ Fit: 0/100. The verified RFP expressly excludes technology and instructional-resource purchases, so N9+ should not be introduced or forced into this opportunity.
QC Healthcare Fit: 0/100. The program is focused on school arts-program review and improvement rather than healthcare delivery.
Dr. Miltie Direct Applicant Fit: 0/100. Dr. Miltie, LLC is not an eligible applicant under the verified eligibility language.
Authoritative Source
Massachusetts DESE — FY2027 Supporting Arts & Cultural Vitality, Fund Code 0718
Atlas verification note: Always rely on the controlling DESE RFP, GEM$ application, posted amendments, and official written clarifications for final submission requirements.