[This is Part 1 of 2 posts regarding underfunded arts programs. This one focuses heavily on children’s programs. Part 2 focuses on programs for different age groups.]
Every arts program leader knows the struggle: you’re working with a shoestring budget but are still expected to create magic. You’re the creative engine and the fundraiser, balancing the roles of mentor, manager, and miracle worker. Your passion is limitless, but unfortunately, your funding isn’t.
You’ve probably tried it all—leaning on volunteers, chasing grants that feel impossible to win, or asking parents and local donors to chip in. And just when you think you’ve made progress, another roadblock appears: an urgent supply that’s too expensive or a last-minute fundraiser that falls flat.
It’s exhausting. The reality is that keeping arts programs running shouldn’t be this hard. These programs have immense value, fostering creativity, social skills, and emotional well-being—yet they are often the first to face budget cuts. But the need to keep them afloat has never been greater.
This article offers a pulse check on the current state of underfunded arts programs, spotlighting the challenges they face and the compelling reasons why we must continue fighting for them. Whether you’re a teacher, camp director, or volunteer, we see you—and we hope this piece reminds you that you’re not alone in this struggle and that there are a lot of good reasons to keep fighting.
After-School Programs: A Lifeline Under Pressure
At 3 PM, the school bell rings, but the day isn’t over for Sarah. As a single mom working late shifts at the local grocery store, the after-school program is the only way she can make ends meet. It isn’t just childcare—it’s a place where her son, Kevin, can explore art and build friendships. Last year, Kevin brought home painted birdhouses and paper-mâché masks. But these days, his projects have become fewer and far between.
The reason? Budget cuts.
Across the U.S., 40% of after-school programs now operate on shoestring budgets that can no longer accommodate regular arts and crafts activities (Afterschool Alliance). For many programs, the choice becomes stark: prioritize basic supervision or cut back on creative supplies.
Kevin’s instructors are doing their best, but it’s hard to keep things running. They’ve turned to donations—craft paper from a nearby church, leftover markers from the community center—just to piece together some semblance of an arts curriculum. They aren’t alone; 60% of after-school program leaders say they rely on discounted supplies or donations to keep creative projects going (National Afterschool Association).
But even with these efforts, it’s a constant struggle. In low-income neighborhoods like Sarah’s, 90% of after-school programs have experienced cuts specifically to their arts budgets (Afterschool Alliance). The result is heartbreaking. These kids, many of whom face challenges at home, are losing a vital space to express themselves creatively—a rare chance to explore new ideas, develop problem-solving skills, and just have fun.
Camps: Crafting Creativity with Limited Resources
At Camp Pinewood, mornings are packed with excitement—canoeing at the lake, soccer on the field, and a steady stream of kids heading toward the arts and crafts cabin. It’s the perfect spot for campers to unwind and let their imaginations run wild. For some, it's the first place they’ve ever tried painting or beading, and these moments of creativity quickly become a highlight of their summer.
But for Jessica, the camp director, managing expectations is a delicate balancing act. Like many camps, Pinewood proudly promotes its arts programming to parents, emphasizing creativity and self-expression as core components of the camp experience. And they’re not alone—60% of summer camps in the U.S. say arts and crafts are a key part of what they offer (American Camp Association). But the reality behind the scenes is much more complicated.
“Parents expect art projects to happen daily, and kids look forward to it,” Jessica explains. “But when we have to cut corners to keep the camp running, it’s the art supplies that go first. Then we’re left scrambling—trying to stretch materials or reuse whatever we can find—because those other expenses, like food and maintenance, feel non-negotiable.”
Jessica’s team does everything they can to meet expectations, but 40% of those camps that say arts & crafts is a key component still struggle to maintain the funding needed for these arts programs (American Camp Association). The gap between what’s promised and what’s possible is a constant source of stress. When the art supplies run low, frustration bubbles up—not just among the staff, but also from parents and campers who feel let down.
The reality is that less than 5% of camp budgets go toward arts programs (American Camp Association), leaving directors to rely on discounted materials or donations from the community to make it all work. “We’ve become really creative out of necessity,” Jessica says. “One summer, we made instruments out of cardboard tubes and leftover rubber bands—and the kids loved it! But you can only do that so many times before parents start to ask why the projects aren’t what they expected.”
Even with limited resources, camps that keep arts programs alive see clear benefits. Creativity boosts social skills, encourages teamwork, and gives campers a way to connect beyond sports or structured activities. “It’s not just about the finished project,” Jessica reflects. “It’s about how the kids come out of their shells during the process—learning to problem-solve, make friends, and express themselves in ways they can’t always do in other settings.”
And that’s why camps keep fighting to make it happen—because those little moments of joy and creativity are what make summer camp truly special.
Schools and Education: Keeping Creativity Alive in the Classroom
Mrs. Thompson has been teaching third grade for over 15 years, and every September, she makes the same promise to herself: This will be the year she won’t dip into her own paycheck for classroom supplies. But it never quite works out that way. As budget meetings drag on and school funds are stretched across essential areas like textbooks, technology, and lunch programs, the art supplies slowly disappear from the list of priorities. "By October, I know I’ll be buying paintbrushes and construction paper out of my own pocket," she says with a shrug.
Mrs. Thompson’s experience is not unique—94% of public school teachers in the U.S. reported spending their own money on classroom materials, including arts and crafts supplies, in the 2014-2015 school year (National Center for Education Statistics). The reason is simple: the funds just aren’t there.
Despite the passage of The Every Student Succeeds Act, which identifies arts as part of a “well-rounded education,” 35% of schools still lack proper arts funding (U.S. Department of Education). "It’s frustrating," Mrs. Thompson admits. "The law says arts matter, but when it’s time to set budgets, art programs are always first on the chopping block."
The reality is that arts funding makes up less than 5% of most school budgets (National Assembly of State Arts Agencies). And in districts where over 50% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch, arts programs are often the first to go (National Endowment for the Arts). For schools in these communities, the loss of arts education is especially devastating. Many of these students rely on art classes as their only outlet for self-expression and creativity during the school day.
And the cuts don’t just affect students—teachers feel the strain too. "It’s hard to look my students in the eye and tell them we won’t be doing the art projects they were excited about," Mrs. Thompson says. "They don’t understand that it’s not a choice—there just isn’t enough in the budget."
Meanwhile, 40% of U.S. schools no longer offer dedicated art classes as part of their core curriculum (National Endowment for the Arts). Teachers like Mrs. Thompson do what they can—improvising with low-cost activities or squeezing in creative projects during other subjects—but it’s often not enough. “There are only so many times you can make paper plate masks before the kids get bored,” she laughs. "But when you see a student light up because they finally get to paint or create something, you remember why it’s worth the effort."
Educators know that the arts play a critical role in student development, building skills like problem-solving, communication, and emotional regulation. For many students, these classes are more than just a break from math and reading—they’re where they feel seen, heard, and empowered. And even when resources are scarce, teachers like Mrs. Thompson keep fighting to make sure their students have the chance to experience the joy of creativity.
Conclusion: Fighting for Creativity and Connection
Running an arts program in today’s climate isn’t easy, but it’s one of the most impactful things you can do. Whether you’re a teacher, camp director, or after-school coordinator, the work you’re doing goes far beyond paintbrushes and glue—it’s about building spaces where creativity thrives, friendships form, and participants learn valuable skills that will stay with them for a lifetime. Your efforts are making a difference, and finding ways to keep your program alive is a fight worth taking on.
There are plenty of strategies to help you expand your program and stretch your budget, even when resources are tight. If you’re looking for practical ways to do just that, check out our post: 6 Ways to Make the Most of Your Arts & Crafts Budget.
At EconoCrafts, we’ve proudly partnered with camps, schools, correctional facilities, and public arts programs for decades. No matter what your budget looks like, we’re here to help you find the right solutions to meet your needs. Some of our customers place large orders—freight-sized shipments or purchases that reach into the thousands. But just as many rely on small, affordable options, with bulk supplies available for under $20. For those working within tight financial constraints, our clearance section offers some of the best deals available, and signing up for our email list ensures you’ll be the first to hear about sales and discounts.
No matter how big or small your order, EconoCrafts believes arts and crafts should be accessible to everyone. Because at the end of the day, creativity belongs to all of us—and we’re committed to helping you keep it alive in your program. Check out our testimonials to see the variety of cases we've handled before.
Getting Creative with EconoCrafts
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