By Brandy McDonnellMore than 100 nonprofit arts organizations across the state have been awarded Oklahoma CARES Grants from the Oklahoma Arts Council. Through the one-time grant opportunity, more than $400,000 in funding is being provided to help arts-focused nonprofits keep jobs and maintain organizational stability during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a news release.As previously reported, the Oklahoma CARES Grants were made possible by federal funding provided through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, distributed by the National Endowment for the Arts to the Oklahoma Arts Council as its state partner.Oklahoma Arts Council Executive Director Amber Sharples said the funding will benefit all Oklahomans.“In passing the CARES Act, Congress recognized the need to support the arts as a sector that meaningfully contributes to our nation’s economy, education, and quality of life.Read more on NewsOK.com