Hi Kidd! I have good news for you! I checked the IAC roster and Rocky Maffit and Chad Dunn are listed!! It's fairly easy to apply for the grant. My one suggestion is to apply early. I apply for grants at least 6 months before the scheduled date. I would say the earlier the better. Remember this is a state funded organization and once the funds are depleted, the grant giving ends for the year. You need to contact the Illinois Arts Council at 312-814-6750. They will provide you with the necessary paperwork and information. It really helps to have a supportive principal as the grant requires his or her input as well. IAC is a great organization to work with as their main goal is to promote the arts thoroughout our state. Elementary kids are no exception! Good luck!

Hey, Luvmikids, was it fairly easy to do your grant to the Illinois Arts Council? We are wanting to get Rocky Maffit and Chad Dunn to come to our school to perform. They are based in Champaign, IL and close to us. Our principal seemed very interested and I know she will help us write it. Thanks for the idea on the grant for the Earth Balloon. May try that too!

Just FYI, next year I will be looking into a Grant from Captain Planet Foundation. They give small grants $500-$2000 for science/earth related programs. They're at www.captainplanetfdn.org

I may try them for the Earth Balloon program!
Lisa @ Tx

i did not personally do this but my sister's school got a program for the arts funded by Southern California Edison - their electric co.
they just approached them with the idea. you might try something like this, it couldn't hurt.

Thanks for the tips. I have already been in touch with my local and state art councils. I also intend on contacting my local college as you suggested. This will definately get me started! Has anyone ever tried to get a sponsorship or private foundation funding for such an event? Thanks again for all of your help. [img]smile.gif[/img]

I have applied for and received grants through the Illinois Arts Council for the past couple of years. They have an arts in education program. The performers are professional and gear their performances to kids. If you are going to the PTO Chicagoland show, they will be there. They are a great, government organization who are more than willing to work with schools. Hope this helps. You should contact your local congressperson and check to see what arts in education programs he or she is aware of for your particular state. These are the government offficials that support and implement these programs for our kids and they encourage you to take full advantage of the benefits of such programs. Good Luck!