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$1.1M
Total funding
$4K
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Building a global community of creative problem solvers, effective collaborators, and empathetic individuals through theatre
Our Mission and Goals
The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF) is the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA).
ETF advances the field of educational theatre by broadening representation and increasing access for all. ETF’s programs aim to support students, educators and the field at large by realizing three strategic goals:
Educator & Program Grants
Giving school theatre programs a boost
The Thespian Growth & Excellence Fund is committed to supporting the ongoing development of theatre programs and the pursuit of excellence for educators, students, schools, and communities by offering a number of grants that assist in EdTA membership, teacher support, and programmatic resources for theatre in schools.
By the end of 2024, the Thespian Growth and Excellence Fund has awarded 349 grants to 276 schools, totaling $286,167 in assistance provided to school theatre programs, many at schools with Title 1 designations.
Equipment Upgrade (up to $5,000)
Can be awarded to help school theatre programs with large technical purchases that upgrade the resources available for theatrical use, such as lighting and sound equipment.
Building a global community of creative problem solvers, effective collaborators, and empathetic individuals through theatre
Our Mission and Goals
The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF) is the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA).
ETF advances the field of educational theatre by broadening representation and increasing access for all. ETF’s programs aim to support students, educators and the field at large by realizing three strategic goals:
Educator & Program Grants
Giving school theatre programs a boost
The Thespian Growth & Excellence Fund is committed to supporting the ongoing development of theatre programs and the pursuit of excellence for educators, students, schools, and communities by offering a number of grants that assist in EdTA membership, teacher support, and programmatic resources for theatre in schools.
By the end of 2024, the Thespian Growth and Excellence Fund has awarded 349 grants to 276 schools, totaling $286,167 in assistance provided to school theatre programs, many at schools with Title 1 designations.
Educator Support ($500)
Can be used for professional development for theatre educators that would benefit their students, including coursework, EdTA’s Theatre Education Conference registration fees, and related travel expenses.
Building a global community of creative problem solvers, effective collaborators, and empathetic individuals through theatre
Our Mission and Goals
The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF) is the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA).
ETF advances the field of educational theatre by broadening representation and increasing access for all. ETF’s programs aim to support students, educators and the field at large by realizing three strategic goals:
Grants for Educators & Theatre Programs
A core piece of the Educational Theatre Foundation’s work is supporting theatre educators and theatre programs directly. We do this through a series of production and educator grants available to both members of EdTA as well as non-members.
EdTA Membership Grant
Theatre matters.
It belongs in our classrooms and communities – now more than ever. Yet the role of the theatre educator has become increasingly complex, and financial support is often uncertain or even eliminated.
To help meet this moment, the Educational Theatre Foundation is proud to introduce the EdTA Membership Grant.
Building a global community of creative problem solvers, effective collaborators, and empathetic individuals through theatre
Our Mission and Goals
The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF) is the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA).
ETF advances the field of educational theatre by broadening representation and increasing access for all. ETF’s programs aim to support students, educators and the field at large by realizing three strategic goals:
Grants for Educators & Theatre Programs
A core piece of the Educational Theatre Foundation’s work is supporting theatre educators and theatre programs directly. We do this through a series of production and educator grants available to both members of EdTA as well as non-members.
For EdTA Members
Production Grants are offered in collaboration with the rights holders for specific plays and musicals or for initiative-based productions that build community.
Production Grants
Show-specific financial assistance for educational theatre programs
Ain't Too Proud Grant
ETF, in partnership with Music Theatre International, is offering three no-cost licenses for Ain’t Too Proud for 2027. This electrifying jukebox musical follows the rise of The Temptations from Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, featuring beloved hits like “My Girl” and “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone,” with a Tony-nominated book by Dominique Morisseau. It’s an exciting opportunity for high school theatre programs seeking a dynamic production with strong vocals, choreography, and storytelling.
Building a global community of creative problem solvers, effective collaborators, and empathetic individuals through theatre
Our Mission and Goals
The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF) is the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA).
ETF advances the field of educational theatre by broadening representation and increasing access for all. ETF’s programs aim to support students, educators and the field at large by realizing three strategic goals:
Grants for Educators & Theatre Programs
A core piece of the Educational Theatre Foundation’s work is supporting theatre educators and theatre programs directly. We do this through a series of production and educator grants available to both members of EdTA as well as non-members.
For EdTA Members
Production Grants are offered in collaboration with the rights holders for specific plays and musicals or for initiative-based productions that build community.
Production Grants
Show-specific financial assistance for educational theatre programs
Fiddler on the Roof Grant
The Fiddler on the Roof Grant covers performance royalties and support resources for middle or high school Thespian troupes to perform Fiddler on the Roof or Fiddler on the Roof JR. through Music Theatre International. Funders Helene and Edward Cole created the grant to help educate students and communities about Jewish heritage and culture.
Building a global community of creative problem solvers, effective collaborators, and empathetic individuals through theatre
Our Mission and Goals
The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF) is the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA).
ETF advances the field of educational theatre by broadening representation and increasing access for all. ETF’s programs aim to support students, educators and the field at large by realizing three strategic goals:
Grants for Educators & Theatre Programs
A core piece of the Educational Theatre Foundation’s work is supporting theatre educators and theatre programs directly. We do this through a series of production and educator grants available to both members of EdTA as well as non-members.
For EdTA Members
Production Grants are offered in collaboration with the rights holders for specific plays and musicals or for initiative-based productions that build community.
Production Grants
Show-specific financial assistance for educational theatre programs
Austen's Pride: A New Musical of Pride and Prejudice Grant
The Authors of Austen’s Pride: A New Musical of Pride & Prejudice are thrilled to announce a collaboration with ETF to grant five (5) high schools free performance rights and materials to produce this beautiful new musical during the 2026-27 school year. Access a free digital perusal of the script.
Building a global community of creative problem solvers, effective collaborators, and empathetic individuals through theatre
Our Mission and Goals
The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF) is the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA).
ETF advances the field of educational theatre by broadening representation and increasing access for all. ETF’s programs aim to support students, educators and the field at large by realizing three strategic goals:
Grants for Educators & Theatre Programs
A core piece of the Educational Theatre Foundation’s work is supporting theatre educators and theatre programs directly. We do this through a series of production and educator grants available to both members of EdTA as well as non-members.
For EdTA Members
Production Grants are offered in collaboration with the rights holders for specific plays and musicals or for initiative-based productions that build community.
Production Grants
Show-specific financial assistance for educational theatre programs
Disney on Broadway: School of Excellence Grant
In collaboration with the Educational Theatre Foundation and Music Theatre International, Disney Theatrical Group will award complimentary licenses of select Disney musicals to middle and high schools throughout the United States to be performed each school year.
This nationwide program celebrates schools that display both outstanding artistic achievement and student-led engagement in theatrical disciplines such as stagecraft, theatrical design, choreography, direction, or performance. Together, these schools will honor the timeless magic of Disney musicals on stage and represent the future of theatrical storytelling for the next generation.
Building a global community of creative problem solvers, effective collaborators, and empathetic individuals through theatre
Our Mission and Goals
The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF) is the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA).
ETF advances the field of educational theatre by broadening representation and increasing access for all. ETF’s programs aim to support students, educators and the field at large by realizing three strategic goals:
Grants for Educators & Theatre Programs
A core piece of the Educational Theatre Foundation’s work is supporting theatre educators and theatre programs directly. We do this through a series of production and educator grants available to both members of EdTA as well as non-members.
For EdTA Members
Production Grants are offered in collaboration with the rights holders for specific plays and musicals or for initiative-based productions that build community.
Production Grants
Show-specific financial assistance for educational theatre programs
Music Theatre International: Heart of Rock and Roll "The Power of Love" Grant
Heart of Rock and Roll features a book by Jonathan Abrams and music and lyrics by Huey Lewis and his pop-rock band, Huey Lewis and the News, with new orchestrations of their music by Brian Usifer.
Selected schools will host intergenerational community events or outreach programs of their own design — because just as Huey Lewis’s music has always brought people together, school theatre has the power to do the same.
Building a global community of creative problem solvers, effective collaborators, and empathetic individuals through theatre
Our Mission and Goals
The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF) is the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA).
ETF advances the field of educational theatre by broadening representation and increasing access for all. ETF’s programs aim to support students, educators and the field at large by realizing three strategic goals:
Grants for Educators & Theatre Programs
A core piece of the Educational Theatre Foundation’s work is supporting theatre educators and theatre programs directly. We do this through a series of production and educator grants available to both members of EdTA as well as non-members.
For EdTA Members
Production Grants are offered in collaboration with the rights holders for specific plays and musicals or for initiative-based productions that build community.
Production Grants
Show-specific financial assistance for educational theatre programs
The Wilder Estate: The Long Christmas Dinner Festival Grant
In 1931, Thornton Wilder wrote The Long Christmas Dinner, a moving, funny, and ingeniously theatrical one-act play created specifically for student theater groups. In just 40 minutes, a single holiday meal becomes a 90-year journey through four generations of a family, exploring time, tradition, family, and the stories we tell about our lives.
In 2026, the Wilder Estate is launching The Long Christmas Dinner Festival, a national holiday celebration bringing schools, cultural organizations, and audiences together around this remarkable play.
Armstrong County Community Foundation
The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,
Susan Falsetti-Burdett Memorial Scholarship Fund for Music
Born in Kittanning in 1957, Susan Burdett was the daughter of Aldo and Dorothy (Trenchik) Falsetti, and was a lifelong resident of our community. Susie was a loving daughter, sister, mother, wife, and friend. She taught music to many over the years, and also taught at Divine Redeemer School. She was caring, compassionate, sharing and understanding. Her charity will live on through this Susan Falsetti-Burdett memorial Scholarship Fund for Music.
Scholarship Details
All ACCF Scholarships are merit based.
Community Foundation for Northeast Florida
The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida connects people who care with causes that matter. Since 1964, we have served the citizens of Duval, St. Johns, Nassau, Baker, Clay, and Putnam counties through a range of charitable and civic activities, while helping individual donors achieve their philanthropic goals. We believe in Giving Back. Forever Forward.
Scholarships
Thanks to generous donors, The Community Foundation offers several scholarships each year that benefit students in Northeast Florida who are seeking post-secondary degrees.
Bernie G. Yvon Memorial Fund Scholarship
For High School Seniors & College Students in The Theatre/Performing Arts
The purpose of the fund is to perpetuate the legacy of Bernie G. Yvon by supporting students pursuing study in the Theatre/Performing Arts with need-based scholarships. In this tenth year (2026), amounts up to $2000 each will be available from contributions to the fund via The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida. In selecting the successful candidate(s), the review committee will consider the following:
Our Mission
Empower donors to fulfill their passions and dreams by establishing charitable vehicles designed to create a positive and enduring impact on Jewish Buffalo, Western New York and the World.
Geoff Richter Performing Arts Award
The Geoff Richter Performing Arts Award Committee announces the availability of an Award up to $2,000! The GRPAA was founded in memory of Geoff Richter, Western New York Musician and Educator of the Arts.
About Geoff Richter
A native of Eden, New York, Geoff received his Bachelor of Music degree with a Performer’s Certificate in trumpet and a Master’s with a Performers Fellowship, from the Eastman School of Music.
Geoff played trumpet professionally with the Rochester, San Antonio, and Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestras and Niagara Falls, Binghamton, Chautauqua, Orchard Park, Clarence, Cheektowaga, and Amherst Symphony Orchestras. He co-founded the Buffalo Brass Quintet, the Buffalo Niagara Concert Band, and The Frankfurters, an internationally known Bavarian show band. He also acted as the summer/pops conductor of the Erie County Wind Ensemble and the Amherst Symphony Orchestra.
After retiring from a long career at Williamsville North High School, Geoff started working part time as director of the orchestra for musicals at St. Joseph Collegiate Institute. He also worked with the Mount Saint Mary Academy band and recruited and directed the orchestra for the annual school musical.
Cumberland Community Foundation ("CCF") manages more than 60 scholarship endowment funds created by local individuals, families, civic organizations, and corporations who want to provide a path to higher education for future generations.
Each year, Cumberland Community Foundation announces more than $1,000,000 in college scholarships to students from southeastern North Carolina.
Leonard G. McLeod Theatre Scholarship
Receiving a diploma from any high school in Cumberland County.
The NAACP X Society Awards Scholarship
The NAACP x Society Awards Scholarship is one of many funding opportunities available to students through NAACP's Inspire Initiatives. We offer scholarships to outstanding and qualified students pursuing undergraduate degrees. Through the generosity of our donors, we advance efforts to ensure equity in educational opportunity that prepares students for success in school, work, and life.
Scholarship amount: $1,000 to $5,000
This is a non-renewable scholarship opportunity.
Grand Rapids Community Foundation
The Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that connects people, passion and resources. With our partners, the Community Foundation uses the tools of philanthropy to find solutions to pressing issues. We provide grants to support the work of nonprofits, scholarships to local students and other forms of support to communities working to eliminate barriers to opportunity, prosperity and belonging.
Scholarships
Each year Grand Rapids Community Foundation supports hundreds of students on their college or career training journeys. We are excited to remove barriers to academic success so that students like you can pursue what you're passionate about.
Grand Rapids Combined Theatre Scholarships
Open to full-time theatre arts majors at an accredited college/university in the U.S., who also have current or previous involvement in Grand Rapids community theater (Civic, Circle, Actors, Jewish, Heritage, Master Arts theaters), or with the theater program at Aquinas, Calvin, GRCC, or GVSU. Four scholarships are awarded annually, three of those are in honor of Norma Brinks, David and Emma Nicollette and Paul Dreher.
The Pittsburgh Foundation
Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.
As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.
Scholarships
The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.
Eugene "Babe" Fabrizi Fund to Educate Music Students
The Eugene “Babe” Fabrizi Fund to Educate Music Students of The Pittsburgh Foundation was created to support young or adult musicians.
Award Type: Single Year. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply in consecutive years.
The Columbus Foundation
In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.
Our Mission
To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.
Craig Memorial Scholarship Fund
This scholarship fund was established by the family of John E. Craig, Jr. and Larry William Craig. Both John and Larry were extremely gifted musicians. John was a noted musician in the central Ohio community, studying at the Berklee College of Music in Boston at the time of his death. A well-known musician and businessman, Larry excelled at playing the piano and worked with his father in Craig & Sons Wrecking Company. This scholarship fund will provide support to students who are pursuing careers in musical arts, theatre or drama.
Looking for grants for theater in California?
Read more about each grant below or start your 14-day free trial to see all grants for theater in California recommended for your specific programs.
What's the typical amount funded for California?
Grants are most commonly $145,539.
What's the total number of grants in Grants for Theater in California year over year?
In 2024, funders in California awarded a total of 256,564 grants.
Among all the Grants for Theater in California given out in California, the most popular focus areas that receive funding are Education, Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Foundations, and Human Services.
1. Education
2. Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Foundations
3. Human Services
How is funding for Grants for Theater in California changing over time?
Funding has increased by -1.38%.
How does grant funding vary by county?
Los Angeles County, San Francisco County, and San Mateo County receive the most funding.
| County | Total Grant Funding in 2024 |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles County | $10,841,756,858 |
| San Francisco County | $5,409,542,294 |
| San Mateo County | $5,358,878,304 |
| Santa Clara County | $3,811,026,208 |
| Alameda County | $3,749,322,182 |