PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:
The National Endowment for the Arts works in partnership with the State and special jurisdictional arts agencies (SAAs) to support projects of artistic excellence, thus preserving and enhancing our Nation's diverse cultural heritage. In fiscal year (FY) 2003, this mission will be accomplished through Partnership Agreements with the SAAs in three ways: 1) Support for the basic State arts plan; 2) support for elements of the State plan addressing arts education; 3) support for elements of the State plan fostering arts in underserved communities. In carrying out their plans, SAAs work with the Endowment to address the national goals of access, creativity, arts learning (formerly arts education), heritage and preservation, organizational capacity, community arts development, and partnerships. The 50 States, District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico also may receive Challenge America funds for a fourth component, support for program activities that demonstrate the power of the arts to benefit families and communities. Partnership Agreements with regional organizations of State arts agencies (RAOs) offer support for 1) a basic regional arts plan, and 2) the National Endowment for the Arts Regional Performing Arts Touring Program, a Challenge America initiative, intended to give all Americans access to excellent, live performing arts. Limited Partnership funds are available also for national services provided by membership organizations of SAAs and RAOs.

 ELIGIBLE FUNCTIONAL CATEGORIES:
1. CULTURAL AFFAIRS;
- Promotion of the Arts;

 WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM THIS PROGRAM:
- State;
- Local;
- Sponsored Organization;
- Public nonprofit institution/organization;

 WHO CAN APPLY:
- Interstate;
- State (includes District of Columbia, public institutions of higher education and hospitals);