About:
NAMTA is an International Association. All countries are welcome to apply. Past recipients of a NAMTA Grant can apply again in the 3rd year after the last NAMTA Grant received.

Donate:
If you, or your company, would like to support the Art & Craft Advocacy Grant program with a donation, please fill out this form. 

Project or Program types accepted:

Community Enrichment
Projects created to enhance public areas and/or neighborhoods, resulting in civic pride, cultural pride, tourism & business, and/or aesthetic beauty. Such projects can be Sculptures, Murals, and other forms of 'Street Art.'

Art & Craft Education
Programs for Schools, After-School Programs, and other educational settings,used for the enhancement of the learning environment.

Art & Craft Therapy for the Military and the Veterans
Projects and Programs specifically used to help active Military personnel and/or Military Veterans, affected by military-related stress, PTSD, and any other underlying psychological issues.

Art & Craft Therapy for Physical and Mental Health & Healing
Programs used in institutions such as Schools, Hospitals, Senior Care, or Group Homes, specifically using art programs and/or classes, that help people deal with physical and/or mental stress, crisis, or sickness. 

 Applications are reviewed and selected based on the following: 

• Feasibility of any project or program proposed
• Impact of the proposed project in the category in which it supports
• Funds available
• Number of applications received 

 Congratulations to the 2024 Recipients!

Kristen Ophelia Bennett from Help Heal Veterans has been selected as the recipient of our grant. Their program provides clinically proven therapeutic kits to veterans and active-duty members worldwide, using upcycled materials such as leather, cloth, and wood donated by partners like Southwest Airlines, La-Z-Boy, Duncan Airlines, the Elks, NAMTA exhibitors GIK, and conference exhibitors. These kits are designed and manufactured in-house by veteran staff in the USA, ensuring quality and relevance. Help Heal Veterans’ program is unique in its use of art therapy to provide healing and mental health support, offering non-pharmaceutical solutions that significantly reduce anxiety, enhance mental clarity, and alleviate depression. The program also supports the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). According to a survey of 2,500 veterans, 93% reported improved hand functionality, 89% experienced less pain, 98% found the kits helped distract from suffering, and 97% of those with PTSD and TBI reported healing benefits. Help Heal Veterans’ innovative and sustainable approach not only improves the lives of veterans and active-duty members but also embodies the spirit of resilience and healing. We are proud to support their mission with a grant of $3500 and look forward to seeing the continued positive impact of their efforts

The Katie Whysong Art for Hope Initiative - $2500

The Positive Painting Project which is one of the projects The Katie Whysong Art for Hope Initiative funds has been awarded our grant. This community-based organization uses visual art to promote mental health awareness and suicide prevention, believing in art’s power to heal and connect. The Positive Painting Project provides opportunities for people of all ages to create and share art that expresses positive thoughts and feelings. Their mission includes promoting mental health awareness, suicide prevention through art education and outreach, and breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness and suicide. Founded in memory of Katie Whysong, a talented artist and mental health advocate who struggled with depression and anxiety, the project brings her vision to life by holding painting events at schools and festivals. Tragically, Katie (Alisa’s daughter) died by suicide on March 10, 2021, at just 15 years old. The Positive Painting Project continues her vision by creating unique artworks that are screen-printed with encouraging messages and installed in local schools and community spaces by students and volunteers. The initiative currently funds three main projects: The Positive Painting Project, the Katie Whysong Scholarship for the Arts, and the Telephone of the Wind in Millvale. 

Linda Denton has been awarded our grant for her exceptional volunteer work at Mission Hope Cancer Center. Linda, a dedicated Silk Painter, was inspired by an article about a woman teaching cancer patients how to tie headscarves. She approached the center with the idea of teaching silk painting classes, allowing patients to create their own scarves. The classes were a great success, providing a supportive and creative environment where participants could connect and take pride in their creations. Building on this success, Linda expanded her classes to include watercolor, tie-dye, watercolor pencils, acrylic painting, and drawing, all at no cost to the patients. Her goal is to offer a safe and worry-free space for cancer patients to express themselves creatively. We are proud to support Linda’s inspiring work and look forward to the continued positive impact of her efforts