Gila River Indian Community Grant Cultural Foundation
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Gila River Indian Community Grant Application
Grant Cycle 2025
2
Narrative
Please structure your proposal to provide the following information in the order indicated. Provide the narrative in
paragraph form in the text field provided. Please be thorough but strive for brevity.
1. Briefly describe your organization’s history, mission and goals.
The Chandler Center for the Arts (CCA) was established in 1989 as a dynamic collaboration between the City
of Chandler, Chandler Unified School District, and the community. Designed as a state-of-the-art
performance venue, CCA has served as a hub for arts, culture, and entertainment, bringing world-class
performances, local productions, and educational programs to the Greater Phoenix area.
The mission of Chandler Center for the Arts is to inspire and connect the community through diverse and
accessible artistic experiences. By providing high-quality performances, arts education, and community
engagement initiatives, CCA fosters creativity, cultural appreciation, and lifelong learning.
The goals of CCA include:
•
Presenting a broad range of performances that reflect the diversity of the community.
•
Supporting arts education programs that enrich the lives of students and families.
•
Cultivating partnerships with local artists, organizations, and businesses to strengthen the arts ecosystem.
•
Enhancing community engagement through outreach initiatives and inclusive programming.
•
Maintaining a welcoming, accessible, and innovative venue that serves as a cultural cornerstone for Chandler
and beyond.
2. To determine eligibility for this grant please select one item in the drop-down below.
Non-Profit
If Municipal, please go to number 3 below.
If Non-Municipal or Non-profit, please describe how the services provided by your organization align with a
government service of the supporting municipality. Explain how this project will support that service and
describe the municipality’s role in the project if applicable (beyond serving as a pass-through).
The Connect Kids Program will play a crucial role in advancing the mission and sustainability of the Chandler
Center for the Arts while leveraging the unique collaborative structure of the Center’s operational model.
Supporting the Nonprofit and the Chandler Center for the Arts
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Grant Cycle 2025
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The Chandler Cultural Foundation, which oversees the Center’s public programming, will directly benefit
from Connect Kids and support the City of Chandler, by expanding its arts education initiatives, community
outreach, and long-term sustainability. The program will:
Enhance Arts Education & Community Engagement
o
The Chandler Center for the Arts already serves Chandler Unified School District (CUSD) students during the
school week, providing access to 31 elementary, 10 middle, 6 high schools, and 3 alternative programs. Connect
Kids will complement this model by offering additional arts programming during school intersessions, weekends,
and summer months—periods when the Foundation controls programming.
The program will ensure that youth beyond the CUSD system, including underserved students, homeschool
groups, and community-based organizations, have equitable access to arts education at the Center.
3. Describe the proposed project, objectives, and your plan to implement.
The Chandler Cultural Foundation respectfully requests $20,000 to support and expand our Connecting Kids Youth Arts
Education Program at the Chandler Center for the Arts. Connecting Kids provides immersive, hands-on arts education
opportunities to youth ages 6-17, ensuring that all students—regardless of socioeconomic background—have access to
high-quality arts experiences that inspire creativity, develop essential life skills, and cultivate a lifelong appreciation for
the arts.
Each year, our youth programs reach more than 8,600 students, delivering low- or no-cost arts programming in visual
and performing arts. With three of our four programs reaching 100% capacity annually, and our Theatre Kids program
averaging 60% capacity, the demand for arts programming in Chandler is undeniable. Furthermore, 61% of participants
in our Theatre Kids program come from Title 1 schools, emphasizing our role in providing equitable access to arts
education.
The Connecting Kids initiative provides a diverse range of arts experiences through four key programs:
1. Camp Kids – provides immersive multi-disciplinary camps for youth ages 7-14, featuring sessions in theatre,
dance, improvisation, and music. Camp Kids kicks off in June with five weeks of summer musical theater camp
with two additional weeks of camps during school breaks. Classes are taught by skilled artists, musicians, actors,
and arts instructors. Students wishing to expand on their camp experiences can seek paid internships under the
camp’s arts instructors. Although the camps are fee-based, we offer scholarships to mitigate financial barriers to
participation.
2. Theatre Kids – Runs from September - May. The program introduces participants to the creativity and diversity
of the arts and is facilitated by professional national touring musicians, dancers, and actors. Participation is free
for Title 1 students, and we provide bus transportation with our partner Act One,A program that provides free
Gila River Indian Community Grant Application
Grant Cycle 2025
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educational field trips to see professional arts performances, supplemented by in-school workshops and study
guides.
3. Vision Kids – is a series of free, weekly visual arts classes that cover many aspects of visual arts, including
painting, drawing, sculpture, and digital arts. Classes are taught by professional art instructors and are offered
year-round every Saturday. All materials are provided free of charge. In addition to Vision Kids, we provide
several visual arts engagement activities including cultural and family festivals, in-classroom workshops, and art
gallery field trips.
4. Youth Arts Council – is a free, hands-on arts administration and leadership training program. Each year, from
September to March, 15 rising artists and leaders ages 13-17 learn about Nonprofit Fundraising, Arts
Management, Event Coordination, Marketing and Public Relations from local community members and
organizations. Sessions are not only informative but also connect students with community experts. Participants
gain practical skills they can apply directly to extracurriculars and future careers. The Youth Arts Council boasts
over 190 alums.
Why This Grant Matters
With increasing demand and the rapid growth of our programs, additional funding is essential to:
•
Expand classroom-based arts experiences by integrating our artist residency programs into Title 1 schools and
community centers.
•
Enhance access for an additional 300 students, ensuring that no child is turned away.
•
Invest in necessary resources such as arts supplies, workshop materials, and professional artist stipends to
continue offering free and low-cost arts experiences.
Connecting Kids is more than just an arts program—it is an investment in the future of Chandler’s youth. Parents,
teachers, and students repeatedly express that our programs have boosted self-esteem, confidence, leadership and
social skills, equipping participants with the tools needed for both artistic and personal success.
Our holistic approach not only fosters artistic talent but also builds critical skills in leadership, collaboration, and self-
expression.
4. Describe how the proposed project satisfies one or more of the priority funding areas identified by the Gila River
Indian Community.
The Connect Kids Program aligns with the priority funding areas identified by the Gila River Indian Community by
addressing critical areas such as education, youth services, and cultural preservation. Specifically, the program supports
the following priorities:
1. Education and Youth Services – The Connect Kids Program provides youth with access to arts education,
mentorship, and skill development opportunities that enhance their learning experiences. By engaging children
Gila River Indian Community Grant Application
Grant Cycle 2025
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in artistic and creative activities, the program fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and self-expression,
contributing to their academic and personal growth.
2. Community Development and Engagement – Through structured programming and interactive activities, the
Connect Kids Program encourages community involvement and provides a safe and supportive environment for
youth. By integrating arts and cultural education, it helps strengthen family and community bonds while
fostering leadership skills among young participants.
By meeting these funding priorities, the Connect Kids Program aligns with the Gila River Indian Community’s
commitment to supporting educational opportunities, enhancing youth engagement, and preserving cultural identity.
This makes it an excellent candidate for funding consideration within their grant framework.
5. Identify the needs/problems to be addressed, the target population and number of people to be served by the
project.
Arizona’s education system faces significant challenges in providing equitable access to arts education. Many schools,
particularly those in underserved and rural communities, lack sufficient funding for arts programs, leading to limited
opportunities for students to engage in creative learning. According to Arizona Commission on the Arts, disparities in
access to arts education disproportionately affect students in Title I schools and communities with higher percentages of
economically disadvantaged families. Additionally, the Arizona Department of Education has recognized that arts
integration enhances academic performance, critical thinking, and social-emotional development, yet many schools
struggle to maintain consistent programming due to budget constraints.
The Connect Kids Program seeks to bridge this gap by providing high-quality arts education and creative engagement
opportunities to students who might otherwise lack access. By offering hands-on experiences in visual arts, music,
theater, and digital media, the program fosters creativity, problem-solving, and cultural appreciation, ensuring that
children receive a well-rounded education that aligns with Arizona’s academic standards.
Target Population
The Connect Kids Program is designed to serve youth in Arizona, with a focus on students from underfunded schools and
community centers that lack robust arts education resources. Priority will be given to Title I schools, tribal communities,
and low-income neighborhoods, where arts education is often minimal or absent. The program will be inclusive, serving
children of diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, ensuring that all students, regardless of financial
limitations, have access to quality arts programming.
Number of People to Be Served
The program aims to serve approximately 8,600 students annually through in-school workshops, after-school programs,
community-based art events, and summer arts intensives. This includes direct instruction from professional teaching
artists, access to free art supplies, and engagement with local arts institutions. Additionally, the program will provide
opportunities for family participation and community showcases, further expanding its reach and impact beyond direct
student engagement.
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Grant Cycle 2025
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By addressing Arizona’s arts education gap and providing meaningful creative experiences to hundreds of students each
year, the Connect Kids Program will help enhance educational outcomes, foster self-expression, and contribute to a
stronger arts ecosystem within the state.
6. Define the project as a new or continuing program. Has GRIC previously funded this project?
Continuing, previously funded by GRIC in 2019
7. Provide a brief timeline including start and finish dates. Indicate if the timeline is flexible.
Our Connect Kids program is a year long, continuous program that includes:
THEATRE KIDS provides workshops and theater matinees to students and teachers from September to May.
YOUTH ARTS COUNCIL is a hands-on arts administration and leadership training program. Each year, from
September to March.
CAMP KIDS provides immersive multi-disciplinary camps for youth ages 7-14, featuring sessions in theater,
dance, improvisation, and music. Camp Kids kicks off in June with five weeks of summer musical theater
camp with two additional weeks of camps during school breaks.
VISION KIDS is a series of free, weekly visual arts classes that cover many aspects of visual arts, including
painting, drawing, sculpture, and digital arts. Classes are taught by professional art instructors and are
offered year-round every Saturday.
8. Identify other organizations, partners or funders participating in the project and their roles.
Sponsors: Steena Murray, Kinder Morgan, Ruth McCormick Tankersley Trust
Prtners: Chandler museum, Chander Unified School District, Act One, Arizona Commission on the Arts,
Applied Material
9. Would you be able to implement the proposed plan if your organization received partial funding for this project?
If we receive partial funding for this project, we will strategically adjust the scope and scale of the program to
ensure its successful implementation. This may involve refining specific program components or reassessing
Gila River Indian Community Grant Application
Grant Cycle 2025
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the cost structure for participation to maintain financial sustainability. Additionally, we remain committed to
actively pursuing alternative grant opportunities to supplement any funding shortfall. By employing this dual
approach—program adjustments and ongoing funding efforts—we will work to uphold the quality and
objectives of the initiative while aligning with the available resources.
10. Describe your plan for project financial sustainability beyond the grant period. If this is a program/project
previously funded by the Gila River Indian Community, describe efforts made towards the previously described
sustainability plan.
The Connect Kids Program is committed to ensuring long-term financial sustainability beyond the grant period by
implementing a diversified funding strategy, building strong community partnerships, and developing earned revenue
opportunities. We seek private and corporate funding from the community to provide free and reduced cost programs
to youth. Supporters include Kinder Morgan, Steena Murray, and the Ruth McCormick Tankersley Charitable Trust.
11. Describe your plan to document progress and results.
We evaluate our program through the following strategies:
- Participant Tracking: We document Connecting Kids attendance through a comprehensive registration
process. We also track Title 1 school involvement for Theatre Kids student matinees.
- Feedback Collection: To continuously improve the program, we gather postprogram feedback through
online surveys disseminated to educators and participants.
- Curriculum Alignment with State Arts Competencies: We align our program outcomes with Arizona’s
academic standards in the arts and social/emotional learning competencies.
12. Indicate any application to and/or awards made by a tribe other than the Gila River Indian Community for state
shared revenues for this and any other project for the past five (5) years.
None
Gila River Indian Community Grant Application
Grant Cycle 2025
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Project Budget
Budget Period: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025
For each budget item listed, please provide a narrative description on the following Project Budget Detail page.
Column 1
Column 2
Column 3
Column 4
Column 5
Proposed Budget Expense
(list each budget item)
Amount
requested from
GRIC
Amount
requested or
secured from
other sources
In Kind or
matching
contributions
Total Budget
1. Artist Fees
$20,000
$70,000
$0
$86,932
2. Instructor Fees
Click here to
enter text.
$0
$0
$61,238
3. Administrative
Click here to
enter text.
$0
$0
$25,806
4. Graphic Design/Marketing
$0
$0
$0
$2,500
5. Classroom Supplies/Materials
$
$2,500
$0
$7,500
6. Printing/Postage
$0
$0
$0
$1,000
7. Other Expenses Non-Classified
$0
$0
$0
$5,000
8. Click here to enter text.
$0
$0
$0
$0
9. Click here to enter text.
$0
$0
$0
$0
10. Click here to enter text.
$0
$0
$0
$0
11. Click here to enter text.
$0
$0
$0
$0
12. Click here to enter text.
$0
$0
$0
$0
13. Click here to enter text.
$0
$0
$0
$0
14. Click here to enter text.
$0
$0
$0
$0
15. Click here to enter text.
$0
$0
$0
$0
Total Budget
$20,000
$72,500
$0
$189,976
Gila River Indian Community Grant Application
Grant Cycle 2025
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Project Budget Detail
Please provide a narrative description for each of the project budget items listed on the previous page. Include the
dollar figure and how it was attained.
1. Artist Fees: Includes touring artists fees and local teaching artists and instructors
2. Instructor Fees: Theater Kids, Camp Kids, Youth Arts Council, Vision Kids Program Instructors
3. Administrative: 920 Hours billed at $28.05 per hour
4. Graphic Desing Marketing: flyers, program marketing materials
5. Classroom Supplies/Materials
6. Printing/Postage
7. Other Expenses Not Classified; ie Food, etc
8. Column 3: Grant/Sponsor Awards from Ruth McCormick Tankersly Foundation, Kinder Morgan, Applied Materials
Foundation and City of Chandler Human Services Funding
9. Click here to enter text.
10. Click here to enter text.
11. Click here to enter text.
12. Click here to enter text.
13. Click here to enter text.
14. Click here to enter text.
15. Click here to enter text.
Other explanation: Click here to enter text.
To ensure a complete application and proper submission please refer to the Grant Application Instructions.