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6: Developing Funding Strategy
There are a number of potential sources of funding for arts education programs. Many districts have found that a combination of funding from a variety of sources is necessary to provide high quality programs. We are, however, entering a new era in state-provided funding. For the first time since Proposition 13 capped property taxes in 1978, the state has allocated funding specifically for arts education.
District Funds:
General Purpose Funds
Every public school district receives per pupil funding allocated by the state based on average daily attendance.
Targeted State Funding
The 2006-07 State Budget includes $105 million in Proposition 98 General Funds for an ongoing Visual and Performing Arts Block Grant program. These funds will be distributed to school districts, charter schools and county offices of education (programs) to support standards aligned instruction in kindergarten through grade twelve. Allocation of funds is based on equal amount per pupil or school size with a minimum of $2,500 for school sites with twenty or fewer students and a minimum of $4,000 per site with more than twenty students.
This funding may be used to:
- Hire additional staff (teachers and/or administrators)
- Implement or increase staff development opportunities, as necessary to support standards-aligned arts and music instruction
- Purchase instructional materials, including text books
The Budget also includes $500 million in Proposition 98 General Funds on a one-time basis for the purchase of visual and performing arts and/or physical education supplies and equipment and professional development. With these resources, schools will be able to make significant investments in items such as musical instruments, kilns, photographic equipment and multi-media design equipment. Allocation is based on an equal amount per unit of average daily attendance in kindergarten and grades one through twelve, with a minimum funding level of $2,500 for small schools
The funding may be used to:
- Purchase visual and performing arts supplies and equipment
- Purchase physical education supplies and equipment
- Provide professional development in the visual and performing arts and physical education
Definition of Equipment and Supplies:
Equipment and supplies are those items that are specific and necessary for implementing standards-based curriculum in the visual and performing arts (and physical education). Capital improvements, such as building new or renovating existing facilities, are not considered to be equipment or supplies. Contact Nancy Carr, visual and performing arts consultant with the California Department of Education, for a more comprehensive list of supplies and equipment in each arts discipline. ncarr@cde.ca.gov or go to The California Arts Project csmp.ucop.edu/tcap/news/support_visual.html
Categorical Funds
School districts receive additional funding earmarked for specific purposes. The funds may be used to support standards-based instruction, purchase of materials, professional development or other needs.
Some school districts allow studios to film on campus. The proceeds of these activities may be allocated to arts education programs. Auditoriums may be rented to outside organizations for theatrical or music productions. Likewise, these funds may be directed to the district’s arts education programs.
Federal Funds
Some districts qualify for Title I funds or funds targeted for high-risk youth that may be directed to arts education programs.
External / Supplemental Funding:
Community Service and Business Partners
Many communities have active Education Foundations, Booster Clubs, PTAs, or Community Service Clubs (Kiwanis, Rotary, etc.) that provide supplemental funding for arts programs in the schools. In some communities, the education foundation has created an endowment that provides ongoing, guaranteed funding for arts programs.
Local Governmental Agencies/ Local Taxes
In some areas, city or county agencies may partner with the schools in arts funding. Parcel Taxes or Bonds passed at the local level may be available for funding arts specialist salaries or building arts facilities.
State and Local Arts Agencies
The California Arts Council and Local Arts Commissions or Arts Councils may dedicate a portion of their grants budget to visual and performing arts organizations who offer school-based programs.
Community Arts Partners
Regional and local arts organizations often provide standards-aligned programs and services to schools that may be funded in part by a private foundation, corporation or government entity.
Funds may be available through granting organizations for programs or for equipment and supplies – such as musical instruments or choral risers.
Business Partners
Local corporations or local businesses that are part of a national retail chain may have targeted corporate contributions or “give-back” programs that provide supplemental funding to the arts programs in a district.
As part of the arts education data collection and analysis (Chapter 2), your team should have a good idea of what is currently being spent by the district.
The Arts Education Performance Indicators published by the Los Angeles County Arts Commission suggests that districts that allocate at least 3% of district general funds for the arts are beginning to approach the ability to offer arts for all students.
Those districts that allocate 5% of district general funds for arts education are within the suggested parameters for offering arts for all students.
Based on the priorities identified in the Strategic Plan, you can begin to develop an overall budget proposal for strengthening arts education in your district.
Making Strategic Budgeting DecisionsWhen the discussion turns to money, the stakes are suddenly higher—and more real. Districts who have undertaken this work have identified the following criteria for making budget decisions.
Budgeted items:
- Produce a quick success
- Be relatively easy to implement in one year
- Have a long-term benefit
- Impact a significant number of students
- Produce high visibility in the district and community
- Engage the community on a deeper level
We have provided a conversation guide for setting up the relevant criteria against which budgeting decisions will be made and a sample Arts Education Budget.
Budget Criteria: A Focused Conversation SCRIPT (PDF:66K)
Arts Education Budget SAMPLE (PDF:242K)