FY27 0718 Supporting Arts & Cultural Vitality

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is soliciting competitive grant applications to support schools conducting arts program reviews under the FY27 0718 Supporting Arts & Cultural Vitality grant, with applications due October 13, 2026.

The grant funds school and district Arts & Cultural Vitality (ACV) teams to conduct and use an arts program review based on DESE's ACV Index and model. Eligible applicants receive funding for team member stipends and necessary grant-related materials. The full scope of eligibility requirements, funding amount, project duration, required forms, and submission instructions are posted on DESE's Grants Management site at https://www.doe.mass.edu/grants/2027/0718/. A summary document is attached, but applicants must reference the Grants Management website for comprehensive funding details, fund use parameters, and award timelines.

DESE retains ownership of all materials and deliverables developed using Commonwealth funds unless otherwise specified in the contract. Vendors must obtain all necessary permissions and licenses for DESE to use underlying intellectual property incorporated into deliverables. All digital deliverables must comply with the Commonwealth's Digital Accessibility Standards, including WCAG 2.1 levels A and AA, and vendors must cooperate with the Commonwealth for accessibility testing at no additional cost.

DESE is authorized to conduct Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) background checks on vendor staff or subcontractors who may have direct and unmonitored contact with children in educational settings or DESE offices. Vendors must notify DESE of all personnel changes during the contract term to enable necessary CORI checks; completion of CORI checks represents the final step in contract execution.

DESE procurement processes comply with all Commonwealth of Massachusetts procurement laws and regulations overseen by the Operational Services Division, as well as applicable federal procedures.