Local music and arts education non-profit, AthFest Educates, opened its 2017-18 grant application period on Wednesday.

Applications will be accepted through Aug. 23 for grants to teachers and community educators from nonprofit organizations, public schools or local or state government agencies serving Athens-Clarke County youth in kindergarten through eighth grade. Grants can be for music and arts based non-consumable equipment, such as musical instruments and audio/visual equipment, all types of programs and experiences for students that are music and arts focused, and music and arts-based professional development for educators and/or youth development specialists.

Awards will be announced Sept. 25 and checks mailed Oct. 2. The nonprofit changed from bi-annual grant giving to one grant cycle a year this year as a way to make sure all educators have the funds they need to implement a complete program within the academic calendar.

Educators interested in grants for the 2017-18 school year should apply during this application period. Teachers with projects and experiences that use music and arts to develop and deepen young people’s understanding of core subject areas like math, science, social studies and language arts are encouraged to apply, along with music and art teachers.

AthFest Educates Executive Director Jill Helme said, “We are honored to support music and arts education in our community. We have incredibly talented young people and passionate educators in Athens, and it’s an amazing feeling to know we have a part in fostering their creativity and passion for music and arts.”

AthFest Educates hosts two fundraising events a year – AthFest Music &Arts Festival and the AthHalf Half Marathon – that allow the organization to award grants for music and arts education. To date, the organization has given over $290,000 in grants to Athens area educators. More information and applications are online at athfesteducates.org and questions can be directed to Helme at [email protected] or (706) 548-1973.