Pope Foundation announces new grant to North Carolina Museum of Art

Raleigh, NC — The North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) has received a grant from the John William Pope Foundation for $25,000 in support of the Museum’s School Bus Scholarship Fund. The NCMA School Bus Scholarship Fund, which was launched in 2008 to provide funding to North Carolina schools requiring financial assistance to transport students to the Museum, must be replenished annually.

Each year nearly 1,000 students from approximately nine schools visit the Museum with support from the School Bus Scholarship Fund. The John William Pope Foundation’s $25,000 grant will not only allow the NCMA to continue the program but will also allow it to serve an additional three to five schools.

“This grant will ensure that more students from across North Carolina will experience the treasures of their state’s art museum,” said Museum director Lawrence J. Wheeler. “We are incredibly thankful for the support from the John William Pope Foundation, as it helps guarantee that students will have the opportunity to visit the Museum’s collection despite their school’s geographic distance and financial limitations.”

“We were honored to add the North Carolina Museum of Art to our 2013 grants portfolio,” said Joyce L. Pope, Vice President of the John William Pope Foundation. “Without the School Bus Scholarship Fund, many children in our community wouldn’t have access to the Museum’s collection. We’re excited to play a small role in helping the Museum and educators bring art into students’ lives.”

To participate in the School Bus Scholarship Fund program, schools must demonstrate financial need as measured by the percentage of children enrolled in a free lunch program or other special circumstances. Each participating school may request up to three buses (55 students per bus) per visit. The NCMA selected Horizon Charter Service to transport school groups to the Museum. Horizon Charter Service is on the Department of Public Instruction’s approved charter list, and all drivers have undergone background checks.