Since 2003, EFA has provided a bus transportation rebate for students attending fine arts and cultural events occurring in Kalamazoo County. The rebate program supports the attendance of more than 20,000 students annually at events presented by EFA and select community partners.
After the rebate, schools contribute a flat rate of $50 per bus round-trip and EFA reimburses the balance.
New for 2026-2027!
- Due to rising transportation costs, the required school contribution is increasing to a flat rate of $50 per bus round-trip.
- A new mid-year submission window will help schools receive Fall event rebates sooner. The submission deadlines are January 8, 2027, and June 1, 2027. EFA strongly encourages schools to submit their rebate request as soon as they receive their transportation invoice.
- The bus rebate program is expanding to include high schools. The rebate now covers grades K-12 and, occasionally, PreK classes attending works of art through special invitation.
Rebate Program Eligibility
- To be eligible, schools must be located within the Kalamazoo RESA service district and be a public K-12 school, an alternative education or special education program, or a private K-12 school that has opted-in to EFA programs.
- The bus rebate typically does not apply to PreK students unless classes are attending through an EFA Teaching Artist residency program (Aesthetic Education Program, Alternative Arts Initiative, or PACE Program) or by special invitation. In 2026-2027, PreK students (ages 4 and older) may use the rebate for attending Billy Goats Gruff and Other Tales.
- Schools are responsible for a flat rate of $50 per bus round-trip. Schools pay their transportation invoices in full upon receipt and submit a rebate request to EFA. The rebate program reimburses school districts for the total cost of the trip minus the required $50 per bus contribution.
- The rebate applies only to school bus transportation to pre-approved events in Kalamazoo County. It does not cover parking expenses, transportation via personal vehicles, out-of-county travel, or ineligible events.
- Contact EFA in advance if you have questions regarding eligibility. Not all community events or schools are eligible.
Rebate Form and Instructions
- After an eligible event, submit your rebate request using the online EFA Bus Rebate form. EFA no longer accepts paper submissions.
- Remember to pay your transportation invoice in full upon receipt. EFA will not pay your transportation invoice directly.
- A new mid-year submission window is available (Friday, January 8, 2027). The final deadline for all rebate requests is Tuesday, June 1, 2027. Late requests cannot be reimbursed.
- Checks will be issued to school districts rather than to individual schools, except for private schools or when a PTO needs to be reimbursed.
Bus Scheduling
Remember to reserve the buses with your own transportation department. EFA does not schedule or provide transportation.
Thank You!
This activity is supported in part by an award from the Michigan Arts & Culture Council and the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation.
Image: Buses outside of Comstock Auditorium, 2026. Photo by Deb Strickland.
