NORWICH – In an annual initiative to inspire educators and encourage creativity in the classroom, the Chenango County Arts Council has announced recipients of the 2016 Grants for Teachers Program.

The Grants for Teachers Program is a yearly grant program with a mission to put funding for arts related projects and programming directly into the hands of local teachers. Teachers who develop projects that meet New York State arts education learning standards are eligible to apply.

According to the CAC, the program is a way for teachers to get funding without all the “red tape” that’s typically associated with other granting entities. This allows teachers more flexibility and better opportunities to spur creativity among their students.

A total $4,306 was allocated this year, funding art education efforts from classroom supplies to field trips.

“To the extent possible, this program provides grants that directly meet the needs of teachers,” states the Arts Council. What’s more, since there are very few requirements for a grant application, “the types of projects eligible for funding are limited only to the imagination, invention and creativity of the applicant.”

Recipients for 2016 include: