Best Grants for Dance Nonprofit Organizations in Colorado

Colorado-based nonprofits and PK–12 schools can seek US $10,000 - US $25,000 to run arts learning projects that connect historically marginalized youth ages 4–21 with professional artists. Focused on arts education equity, Think 360 Arts supports multi-week programs in accessible community or school settings across Colorado, including dance-focused initiatives.

Women-identifying individual artists in the U.S., including those creating dance-related environmental projects in Colorado, can apply for up to US $20,000 to advance in-progress environmental art with free public engagement. Grants from New York Foundation for the Arts support projects addressing themes like regeneration, eco-social engagement, climate change, and systems restoration, to be completed by August 2026.

Colorado arts and cultural nonprofits offering programs in the arts or sciences, especially those engaging youth or nurturing artistic talent, can access funding through the William Randolph Hearst Foundation; awards are typically more than US $100,000. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations must be U.S.-based with audited expenses over $2 million and strong, sustainable impact.

Health and physical education professionals contributing to measurement and evaluation, including those in Colorado, can be honored for advancing SHAPE America’s Measurement and Evaluation SIG. With a mission to advance professional practice and research, Society of Health and Physical Educators recognizes outstanding individual contributions through its Measurement and Evaluation Honor Award.

Experienced SHAPE America members in the U.S. who have advanced measurement and evaluation in health, physical education, and dance can be honored through this lifetime achievement award. With a mission to advance professional practice and promote research, Society of Health and Physical Educators recognizes substantial scholarly impact benefiting fields like dance education, K–12 instruction, and community health.

Current SHAPE America members planning projects that expand opportunities for girls and women in sport can receive US $1,000 to support research, professional development, after-school programs, or similar initiatives in the U.S., including Colorado. The Society of Health and Physical Educators’ NAGWS Legacy Award may benefit dance-focused programs advancing female participation and leadership in sports settings.

Colorado dance presenters, curators, residency directors, and NDP-supported dance artists can receive funding to cover U.S. travel for tour planning and relationship-building around National Dance Project works. New England Foundation for the Arts provides up to US $500 to support in-person meetings, site visits, and community engagement that advance touring of NDP-funded dance projects.

Colorado graduate students in dance, physical education, health, or recreation can access funding through the Society of Health and Physical Educators’ Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship, receiving US $1,750 plus a three-year SHAPE America membership. Eligible applicants are SHAPE America members enrolled full-time in a master’s or doctoral program with at least a 3.5 GPA.

Undergraduate students in Colorado majoring in dance, health, physical education, recreation, or related fields can receive US $1,250 through the Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship. Focused on advancing professional practice, the Society of Health and Physical Educators invites eligible SHAPE America student members to apply based on academics, leadership, service, and character.

Children and adults with cystic fibrosis seeking support for dance, horseback riding, swimming, or golf in California can apply for Loretta Morris Memorial Grants, with awards up to US $750. Focused on active lifestyles, BreatheStrong CF pays approved costs directly to activity providers, which may benefit those involved in dance-related programs.

Native performing artists and Native-led dance, theater, music, or multidisciplinary performing arts organizations in Colorado can receive US $30,000 for live productions that are in active stages of creation. First Peoples Fund supports U.S.-based Native creators 18+ presenting live performances, including community-based shows, tours, festivals, and other culturally grounded productions featuring multiple Native artists.

High school seniors in New Jersey’s Morris County pursuing post-secondary studies in dance, drama, visual arts, or music can receive $5,000 to support tuition through the Elaine Ehlers Arts Scholarship. Grants from Arts Council of the Morris Area help talented students advance their arts education, which may benefit those focused on dance-related training beyond Colorado.

Colorado dance and other arts-focused high school seniors may be eligible for the Eugenie Coladarci Arts Scholarship, which supports post-secondary study in dance, drama, visual arts, or music. Offered by Arts Council of the Morris Area, this US $1,500 award is paid directly to the recipient’s chosen college or arts program.

Professional dance and music organizations in Colorado seeking general operating or project support for live performances of contemporary American classical concert music may be eligible. Focused on classical music, opera, and dance, the Alice M. Ditson Fund supports ensembles and institutions committed to younger and relatively unknown, living American composers, including projects using a U.S. 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor.

Graduate students from eligible Asian countries pursuing full-time arts or cultural graduate study in the U.S. can receive US $15,000 for one academic year of travel and living expenses. Asian Cultural Council supports disciplines including dance, theater, music, and visual arts; Colorado dance nonprofits may benefit by encouraging qualified students to apply.

Individual dance artists, scholars, and arts professionals in Colorado or across eligible countries can seek Asian Cultural Council’s Individual Fellowship to pursue self-directed research and cultural exchange abroad. Fellowships support travel-based projects such as meeting peers, visiting institutions, and engaging in workshops that deepen artistic practice and cross-cultural understanding, rather than production or single-event travel.

The McGraw Foundation offers annual grants to not-for-profit organizations, primarily in the greater Chicago area, focusing on education, conservation, and human services. Grant amounts typically range from $2,000 to $10,000, with larger grants available for particularly impactful projects. While supporting diverse initiatives, the Foundation does not fund individuals or specific events. Organizations must be tax-exempt under IRS regulations to qualify for funding. The Foundation encourages innovative approaches and partnerships in grant applications.

Graduate students in the U.S. focusing on psychomotor measurement and evaluation can receive support for professional expenses, including those whose work intersects dance and K–12 physical education. With a mission to advance health and physical education, SHAPE America provides this award to current SHAPE America and Measurement and Evaluation SIG members with at least one year of study remaining.

Individual health, physical education, or dance professionals in Colorado and nationwide who are long-time SHAPE America members may be eligible for the Luther Halsey Gulick Award, honoring exceptional service and leadership. Society of Health and Physical Educators presents this annual national medal, which can highlight distinguished careers that also advance dance and K–12 physical education programs.

Early-career researchers in health or physical education curriculum and instruction can be recognized for impactful scholarship through the Helen M. Heitmann Young Scholar Award. Focused on advancing curriculum and instruction, SHAPE America invites eligible U.S.-based scholars, including those working in dance education, to be nominated for this national professional honor.

The E.B. Henderson Award, presented by SHAPE America, honors minority members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to scholarship, mentorship, and advocacy for ethnic minorities within health and physical education. Established in 1885, SHAPE America serves over 200,000 professionals, promoting high-quality education standards. The award recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to increasing the participation of underserved populations in the field. Limited to two awards annually, it highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in health education.

The Curriculum and Instruction Honor Award, presented by SHAPE America, recognizes outstanding contributions to health and physical education curriculum research. This prestigious award highlights the importance of effective instructional practices that prepare students for active and healthy lives. Award recipients are selected based on their scholarship in health education and physical education, demonstrating commitment to excellence since the organization's founding in 1885. SHAPE America advocates for quality education and promotes the well-being of preK-12 students across the United States.

The SHAPE America Major of the Year Award recognizes exemplary undergraduate students in health, physical education, recreation, and dance. This prestigious accolade aims to highlight nominees who demonstrate academic excellence and commitment to service within their communities. Faculty members from colleges and universities are encouraged to nominate one outstanding student per major, ensuring that the next generation of health educators is celebrated for their achievements and contributions to the field.

The SHAPE America: Joy of Effort Award recognizes dedicated individuals who exemplify the spirit of commitment and passion in health and physical education. Awardees are current SHAPE America members with at least three years of membership, demonstrating excellence in teaching, coaching, or leadership. This prestigious award celebrates those who have made significant contributions to the field, inspiring others to lead healthy, active lives through their efforts in education and advocacy.

The Lazarus Family Scholarship in Bioethics and Humanities, offered by the AMA Foundation, supports students engaged in bioethics or the humanities, including art, music, and literature. This scholarship aims to foster the next generation of physician leaders by providing financial assistance to those who are committed to advancing health equity and community service. By recognizing diverse fields of study, it emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in medicine and the humanities.

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.

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.