Best Grants for Performing Arts in Alaska

Alaska nonprofits, tribal entities, government units, and schools presenting public arts events in Alaska can receive support for travel and freight costs for touring performances and exhibitions. The Alaska State Council on the Arts’ Harper Arts Touring Fund backs theater, dance, music, media, folk and traditional arts, and visual and cultural exhibitions, especially in rural or underserved communities.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting youth health, education, development, or welfare can apply for funding up to Up to US $15,000 from Dan Paul Foundation. Alaska performing arts groups that integrate youth development, enrichment, or advocacy into their programming may be eligible for support, including projects addressing poverty, homelessness, environment, or refugee enrichment.

Alaska performing arts organizations and other early-stage social enterprises can access funding through Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation to scale innovative solutions for underserved communities, with awards up to US $300,000. Eligible independent nonprofits or impact-first for-profits must be post-pilot, under 10 years old, and able to grow their impact significantly beyond a single place.

Alaska performing arts and cultural 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding through the United States-Japan Foundation to support projects that deepen understanding of Japanese arts and culture. Grants up to US $5,000 reimburse eligible costs such as publicity, printing, artist honoraria, travel, shipping of materials, and facility fees for performances, exhibitions, films, lectures, or symposia.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing humanitarian, family, education, health, or poverty-relief services can apply for funding from Robinson Foundation; support is limited to the Southern U.S., not Alaska. Programs that demonstrate tangible, meaningful impact and direct results may be competitive, including organizations whose work intersects with performing arts in serving children, families, or communities.

With a mission to help smaller nonprofits make a big impact, the Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation provides Alaska performing arts and cultural organizations with US $1,000 - US $20,000 for programs and facilities. IRS-qualified U.S. nonprofits, including museums, theaters, and community arts groups serving Alaska, may be eligible to apply.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Alaska performing arts and cultural organizations can seek funding to develop community arts programs and strengthen arts administration across Alaska. With a mission to support creative endeavors statewide, Alaska State Council on the Arts provides up to US $5,000 for public arts activities like performances, festivals, workshops, and exhibits, prioritizing small, often volunteer-run nonprofits in underserved communities.

Alaska performing arts organizations, government units, tribal entities, and schools can access funding through the Alaska State Council on the Arts for touring or presenting theater, dance, music, opera, media, folk, and traditional arts, with awards of US $500 - US $5,000. Grants also support projects reaching underserved audiences and professional development for performing arts staff statewide.

Alaska nonprofit organizations, schools, local governments, and tribal entities offering short-term arts workshops in Alaska can receive US $500 - US $1,500 to pay instructor fees and travel. Alaska State Council on the Arts supports performing, visual, media, literary, and traditional arts workshops that are open to the public and primarily serve adults.

The Cowles Charitable Trust Grant supports initiatives aligned with the philanthropic legacy of Gardner Cowles, Jr. Focused on education, social justice, health, and the arts, it favors organizations recognized as 501(c)(3) by the IRS. The Trust encourages applications for general operating support and seeks partnerships rather than being the sole funder. Notably, it considers applications from established partners and supports efforts in Downstate New York and South Florida, with a preference for diverse funding sources.

Alaska 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering performing arts, cultural enrichment, or community development programs may be eligible for Ameriprise Financial Community Grants. Grants from Ameriprise Financial help organizations across the U.S. strengthen community vitality, expand arts education and access, and support volunteer-driven initiatives, with priority for sites engaging Ameriprise employees and advisors.

501(c)(3) nonprofits providing basic needs or economic mobility programs for youth and families in Alaska communities with Nordstrom stores can apply for Nordstrom’s Community Grant, awarding US $5,000 - US $20,000 in unrestricted support. Performing arts organizations that also deliver these services may be eligible if they meet the location and focus criteria.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Alaska schools and community organizations offering K–12 academic enrichment and after-school learning can apply for the Alaska Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, with awards from US $50,000 - US $900,000. Alaska performing arts groups partnering with schools for music, theatre, or related enrichment may be eligible if activities support student academic achievement.

Nonprofit 501(c) arts organizations in Alaska’s Municipality of Anchorage can apply for Municipality of Anchorage Mayor’s Art Grants, awarding US $75,000 for public-facing arts and culture projects. Funding supports performing and visual arts, cultural heritage, public art, and community-engaged programming that enriches local wellness and participation in the arts.

Alaska 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving community quality of life can seek funding for project, general operating, or capital support that advances economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation provides support in communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates, which may include organizations offering performing arts alongside eligible community services.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with programs in youth education, housing, food security, or environmental stewardship can receive US $30,000 - US $350,000 through the Chick Fil A Foundation True Inspiration Awards. Alaska performing arts nonprofits that also serve underserved youth, families, or communities through these types of initiatives may be eligible.

Alaska nonprofit professional theatres producing contemporary works on current social issues can seek funding for productions and change-capital projects, including artistic, production, and community engagement costs. Focused on theatre, the Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation invites eligible organizations with at least $1,000,000 in annual revenue to apply for US $10,000 - US $25,000 grants.

Focused on performing arts touring, Creative West invites Alaska 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government units, higher education institutions, and tribal governments to apply for TourWest support. Eligible presenters can receive US $2,000 - US $3,000 to cover artist fees, travel, facilities, accessibility, marketing, and related administration for regional touring performers and literary artists, with priority for rural and smaller-budget organizations.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

Native performing artists and Native-led performing arts organizations in Alaska can apply for First Peoples Fund’s Native Performing Arts Live Production Grant, awarding US $30,000 for live productions. Eligible U.S.-based applicants (18+) must document tribal enrollment, descent, or ancestry and be in the active stages of producing music, theater, dance, or other live performances.

Nonprofit 501(c) organizations, political subdivisions, and accredited schools in Alaska can seek ConocoPhillips support for local community needs, including arts and culture programming. Grants from ConocoPhillips help Alaska performing arts and other community-focused groups address education, health and safety, environment, social services, civic initiatives, and disaster relief in areas where the company operates.