ARTS & EDUCATION UPDATE

Since Arts & Education Council (A&E) merged with Network for Strong Communities (NSC) this past fall, we’ve been busy relaunching A&E.  We want to share next steps with you!

On May 20th we conducted two Town Hall meetings (in-person and virtually) with representatives from nearly 80 arts and health organizations to announce our funding programs for this year.

Arts & Healing Initiative. Grants will provide funds to arts, social service and/or health organizations to bring in arts-based wellness programs that aid in the healing process and improve the quality of life for individuals and their families.

Rural Arts Initiative. These funds will build community engagement, social connections, combat social isolation and enhance rural communities throughout Missouri and Southwestern Illinois.

Since A&E is a program within NSC, organizations also have other opportunities for learning and capacity building. These include training workshops focused on leadership development, organizational culture and employee engagement. For smaller nonprofits and volunteer-led organizations NSC offers fiscal and management support. Through our consulting services we offer a pro-bono session called “The Free 30 Minutes”, which allows any nonprofit to call and schedule 30 minutes of advice at no fee. Other consulting programs include board development, strategic planning, governance support, merger and acquisition guidance, executive coaching and placement, just to name a few. 

A&E and NSC have grown their programs through strong local support. So, to provide these critical programs, we need you. Your donation will have a direct impact on the lives of artists, children, adults and organizations throughout Missouri and Southwestern Illinois. Please consider making a contribution by clicking the donate button below.