Best Grants for Dance Nonprofit Organizations in California

Women-identifying individual artists in the U.S., including those creating dance-related environmental projects in California, can apply for New York Foundation for the Arts’ Anonymous Was A Woman Environmental Art Grants, with awards up to US $20,000. Funding supports existing environmental art projects with free public engagement, to be completed or advanced between August 2025 and August 2026.

California dance and ballet nonprofits offering substantial arts or science programming can access funding through William Randolph Hearst Foundation for program, capital, and limited general or endowment support. Eligible U.S. 501(c)(3) cultural institutions with audited expenses over $2 million and strong, measurable impact on large populations may benefit, with awards typically more than US $100,000.

Theresa Alessandra Russo Foundation Inc

The Theresa Foundation honors the memory of Theresa Alessandra Russo by touching the lives of children with special needs and their families. The Foundation fosters each child’s unique abilities by supporting programs focusing on art, music, dance, drama, and recreation.

The Theresa Foundation has a vision of the world where artistic expression and physical recreation are just as important to adults as they are to children. We believe in a world where every child, regardless of ability or challenging conditions, is free to communicate through and participate in every art or recreational activity. A society without art is a society without soul. Art enables us to express our inner thoughts, fears, joys, and sadness.  

The Theresa Foundation Grant Program

The Theresa Foundation Grant Program is committed to providing financial support for programs in art, music, dance, drama, or recreation that are designed specifically for children with special needs in order to ensure that no one is excluded from these activities. 

We believe that every individual should have the opportunity to participate in art, music, dance, drama or recreation if they so choose. Our grant program works to provide direct funding for the success of these activities, while also promoting an environment of acceptance and inclusiveness where all can take part without judgment or fear. 

As of 2026, the Theresa Foundation has provided over $3,300,000 in grant funding for over 200 programs in 29 states throughout the country and 4 international grants. With your help we can continue to make a difference in the lives of those with special needs by providing them access to enriching experiences that would otherwise be out of reach. 

The Measurement and Evaluation Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a distinguished SHAPE America professional who has significantly impacted measurement and evaluation in health and physical education. This prestigious award highlights the importance of scholarly achievement and the influence of national standards in enhancing educational practices. It aims to honor those who have dedicated their careers to improving the quality of health and physical education, ultimately promoting healthier lifestyles for students across the nation.

The National Girls and Women in Sports (NAGWS) Legacy Award, established by SHAPE America, honors exemplary contributions to increasing opportunities for women in sports. This annual award recognizes current SHAPE America members who submit impactful proposals related to women's sports, with a monetary prize of $1000. The award will be presented at the National Convention & Exposition, with a special deadline of November 1st. Nominations can include various initiatives aimed at empowering women in sports.

California dance presenters, curators, residency directors, and current National Dance Project artist grantees can receive up to US $500 for U.S. travel to plan touring of NDP-funded works. New England Foundation for the Arts supports trips that build relationships, assess venues, and advance tour planning for eligible NDP dance projects.

California graduate students in dance, physical education, health, recreation, or related fields can access funding through the Society of Health and Physical Educators’ Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship. SHAPE America members enrolled full-time in master’s or doctoral programs with a minimum 3.5 GPA may receive US $1,750 plus a three-year membership, which can benefit those connected to dance-focused nonprofits.

Undergraduate college juniors and seniors in California majoring in dance, physical education, health, or recreation can receive US $1,250 to support their studies through the Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship. Focused on advancing health and physical education, Society of Health and Physical Educators invites SHAPE America student members to apply based on academics, leadership, and service.

Children and adults with cystic fibrosis in California seeking support for dance, horseback riding, swimming, or golf can receive up to US $750 toward activity fees. Focused on active living, BreatheStrong CF pays approved Loretta Morris Memorial Grant awards directly to providers, which may benefit individuals engaged in dance programs at nonprofit organizations.

Native performing artists and Native-led performing arts organizations in California can receive US $30,000 for live dance, theater, music, or other Native cultural performances in active production stages. First Peoples Fund supports U.S.-based Native creators 18+ with live productions featuring multiple Native artists, including in-person or virtual events and tours.

Nonprofit emerging arts organizations in Carlsbad, California can receive up to US $5,000 for public arts projects, including dance, music, visual, digital, and ethnic or indigenous art forms. The City of Carlsbad Cultural Arts Division supports inclusive, community-benefiting programming and requires projects to take place within Carlsbad and involve a professional artist or consultant.

High school seniors in New Jersey’s Morris County pursuing post-secondary studies in dance, drama, visual arts, or music can receive the Elaine Ehlers Arts Scholarship, awarding US $5,000 toward tuition. Grants from Arts Council of the Morris Area help emerging artists further their training, which may benefit California dance nonprofits partnering with eligible students.

California high school seniors focused on dance, drama, visual arts, or music who reside in Morris County, New Jersey can access funding through Arts Council of the Morris Area’s Eugenie Coladarci Arts Scholarship. This US $1,500 award supports tuition at accredited colleges or arts programs for students demonstrating strong artistic excellence and dedication.

Small and mid-sized fiscally sponsored dance and arts organizations in San Francisco, Alameda, and Contra Costa counties can receive US $5,000 - US $10,000 in general operating support for producing and presenting new work by professional Bay Area artists. The Fleishhacker Foundation prioritizes groups representing historically marginalized artists and under-resourced communities.

Focused on contemporary American classical concert music, the Alice M. Ditson Fund invites California dance and music organizations to seek general operating or project support for performances featuring living American composers. Professional performing ensembles, dance companies, and institutions, including those using a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor, may be eligible if their work centers these composers.

Graduate students from eligible Asian countries pursuing full-time, in-residence arts or cultural graduate programs in the U.S., including California, can receive US $15,000 for travel and living expenses. Asian Cultural Council supports disciplines such as dance, theater, music, and visual arts; California dance-focused students may be eligible if they meet all criteria.

Individual artists, scholars, and arts professionals in eligible Asian countries or the U.S. can receive Asian Cultural Council support for self-directed research and cultural exchange travel, including to and from California. Focused on arts and cultural disciplines such as dance, this fellowship funds immersive projects that build relationships, foster dialogue, and deepen cross-cultural understanding.

Individual artists, scholars, and arts professionals in dance and related disciplines from eligible Asian countries can apply for Asian Cultural Council’s six‑month New York Fellowship, which supports cultural immersion and research in New York City and across the U.S. California-based dance nonprofits may benefit by encouraging qualified Asian collaborators or partners to apply.

Early mid-career individual artists and scholars in dance, theater, and performance studies living and working in California and other U.S. locations can receive US $40,000 to devote substantial time to new creative or scholarly work. George A and Eliza Gardner Howard Foundation fellowships are unrestricted, non-residency awards focused on intellectual and artistic development.

Tara Lynn Clossman Memorial Fund

Established by the Clossman family and many others in memory of Tara Clossman, who passed away suddenly in 2016 at the age of 25, to provide postsecondary scholarships to Akron City School District high school seniors pursuing a career in dance or education.

Amount:

• Varies ($1,000 minimum)

Number of awards:

• Varies

Renewal:

• No

Washington County Community Foundation

The Washington County Community Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life in Washington County by promoting and facilitating philanthropy. We accomplish this by assuming four philanthropic roles of Grantmaker, Donor Service Organization, Fundraiser, and Community Leader. Fostering philanthropy by offering charitable gifting opportunities to donors on an individualized basis and at reasonable fees, we make charitable giving easier, more satisfying, and more effective. 

The Foundation is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation organized under the laws of Pennsylvania, which is registered with the Pennsylvania Charities Bureau and annually files the Federal Form 990.

Scholarships for Post-Secondary (Undergraduate) School

The Foundation provides both need-based and merit-based scholarships to students in Washington County, with a few scholarships also available to students in Greene County. All scholarships are made payable to the educational institution the student is attending. 

Carol L. Berthold Scholarship Fund for Dance

For a current year graduating senior who is pursuing a degree in dance at an accredited post-secondary educational institution and demonstrates both financial need and academic excellence. The award is renewable annually, provided the recipient remains enrolled in the dance program and in good academic standing (as defined by the institution).

Graduating high school seniors planning to major in music, visual arts, dance, or drama may be eligible for the Shawnee Fine Arts Club Scholarship in California. Focused on arts education, Communities Foundation of Oklahoma invites students from Shawnee High School, Liberty Academy, or qualifying home-school settings to support their university studies in the arts.

High school graduates from the eight Western New York counties pursuing performing arts degrees in theater, dance, instrumental, or vocal music can receive up to US $2,000 to support their higher education. Eligible students must study at an accredited U.S. institution, maintain a 3.0 GPA, and may include those involved in dance-focused programs, including in California.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing visual or performing arts degrees, including dance, who are NAACP members and U.S. residents can receive US $1,000 - US $5,000 for undergraduate study. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People provides this non-renewable scholarship, which may benefit California students preparing for arts-related college programs.

What is Emergency Assistance Fund

Emergency Financial Assistance is available to eligible performing arts and entertainment professionals:

• In times of unexpected critical need.
• To assist towards basic living expenses, such as health care, housing and utilities to prevent eviction or shut-offs.

Hunter Brown Emergency Assistance Fund

The Hunter Brown Emergency Assistance Fund offers emergency financial assistance to current or former employees of Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

Community Foundation of Mendocino County

The Community Foundation of Mendocino County is a county-wide nonprofit organization that administers permanent charitable funds established through gifts and bequests from individuals, families, businesses, and other organizations.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Mendocino County Scholarship program provides scholarship opportunities for local students to help pursue their educational goals and achieve their higher education dreams.

The Community Foundation of Mendocino County provides scholarships for all seven regions of the county, as well as for specific academic and professional goals.

Kressa Jean Shepherd Memorial Scholarship Fund

Created by Sara and John Shepherd in memory of their daughter, Kressa, to support students with a passion for the arts (visual art, design, music, theater, and dance) who may or may not choose to study art at the college level.

The BTCF: Simple Gifts Fund Grant supports young artists aged 13-19 in the Berkshire Taconic region, providing financial assistance for summer enrichment programs in the arts. Established in 1998 in memory of folk singer Bill Crofut, the fund aims to empower youth through small grants that can cover costs for tuition, art supplies, or living expenses. The grant fosters creativity and personal growth, ensuring that young individuals have opportunities to pursue their passions.