Best Grants for Theatre Equipment in Connecticut

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.

The Tri-M Foundation's Performing Arts Grant Program aims to support innovative and high-quality performing arts projects by regional non-profit organizations. The program prioritizes projects that align with the organization's mission, engage audiences, and provoke important discussions. Grants range from $3,000 to $10,000, intended for diverse artistic expressions, including theatre and dance. Applications are encouraged from eligible organizations that demonstrate detailed project planning, inclusivity, and a commitment to addressing sensitive topics.

The Branford Community Foundation (BCF) offers sponsorships to support organizations serving the Branford community. Applications are accepted year-round, with specific review dates: January 15, April 15, and July 15. BCF seeks events that provide meaningful community impact, positive exposure, and opportunities to build relationships with a targeted audience. Sponsorships are awarded for single events or a series of events, but not for ongoing programming or political events.

The Princess Grace Awards support early career artists in theater, dance, and film with unrestricted cash grants of $15,000. Open to U.S.-based artists, the awards recognize both creative generators and performance-based creatives. Nominations are required from non-profit organizations or previous award winners, ensuring a robust evaluation of artistic merit. With a focus on nurturing talent, the Princess Grace Foundation honors the legacy of Princess Grace of Monaco by fostering the next generation of artists.

The Venturous Capital Grants aim to empower small and medium-sized not-for-profit theaters to produce bold and experimental new plays. Grants range from $5,000 to $35,000, covering extraordinary costs that enable productions to thrive. The program supports text-based, author-driven works that are ambitious, challenging, and innovative, while emphasizing the importance of playwright compensation and adhering to AEA standards. This initiative fosters creativity and helps overcome financial barriers in theater production.

The Native Arts & Cultures Foundation's LIFT program offers critical support to early career Native artists through one-year grants of $10,000. This initiative aims to nurture emerging voices and foster community engagement while promoting environmental sustainability. Selected artists will benefit from professional development training and culturally appropriate evaluations to enhance their artistic practices. By providing vital resources, LIFT empowers artists to advance their careers and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

The Tickets for Kids Grant Program, offered by the Tickets For Kids Foundation, aims to support low-income, at-risk children and youth by providing access to ticketed experiences at no cost. Organizations eligible for partnership include nonprofit agencies, schools serving primarily low-income students, and government agencies. The application process typically takes 2-4 weeks, with responses expected within five business days after review. This initiative enriches existing programming through valuable experiences.

The Branford Community Foundation (BCF) is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Branford, Connecticut, by funding organizations and projects in key focus areas such as basic needs, health, education, arts, environment, and youth services. Grants are awarded to 501(c)(3) nonprofits and governmental agencies that demonstrate a positive impact. BCF prioritizes initiatives addressing food insecurity, mental health, and community joy, while fostering collaboration and capacity building among local organizations.

The Actors' Equity Foundation, established in 1962, is dedicated to supporting the professional theatre community through grants. Annually, it funds over 150 nonprofit theatres and arts organizations, promoting initiatives that enhance the performing arts landscape. The Theatre Grants are specifically aimed at organizations with 501(c)(3) status, ensuring a commitment to artistic excellence and fiscal responsibility. By investing in diverse programs, the Foundation plays a pivotal role in nurturing both emerging and established talent within the theatre industry.

The Jim Henson Foundation offers annual grants for innovative contemporary puppet theater works, with three categories: Workshop Grants ($3,000), Production Grants ($7,000), and Family Grants ($4,000). These grants support puppet creation and performance, encouraging artistic excellence. Eligibility is primarily for IRS tax-exempt organizations, with individual artists needing a fiscal sponsor. International collaborations are welcome if the primary artist is a U.S. citizen. Grants are not available for projects based outside the U.S. or for non-puppet related activities.

The Aurand Harris Grants & Fellowships support children’s theatre by funding projects that foster artistic growth and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Eligible applicants include 501c3 nonprofit theatres and individual artists. The grants cover various expenses, such as fees for artists and equipment costs, while prioritizing projects that align with the values of the Children's Theatre Foundation of America. Notably, funding will not cover general operating support or projects already in progress.

The Shakespeare in American Communities Grant, funded by Arts Midwest, supports professional theater companies in the U.S. to produce Shakespeare's works and conduct educational activities. This initiative aims to engage middle and high school students, particularly from underserved communities, through performances and interactive workshops. Eligible applicants must demonstrate experience in theater education and comply with federal regulations. The program emphasizes accessibility, aiming to enrich students' understanding of Shakespeare's relevance in contemporary society.

The Shubert Foundation provides unrestricted grants to not-for-profit professional theatre and dance companies in the U.S. Its focus is on organizations with a proven track record in artistic and administrative excellence. Eligible applicants must have a minimum annual budget of $150,000 and demonstrate financial stability, strong community engagement, and the ability to generate income. The foundation does not fund individuals, project-specific requests, or organizations without 501(c)(3) status.

The Shubert Foundation's Shubert Scholars program offers unrestricted grants to support the training of theatre artists in the United States. Targeting preeminent graduate drama departments, it emphasizes merit-based scholarship support while promoting exemplary theatrical training. Funding is primarily allocated to not-for-profit professional theatres and dance companies, fostering artistic excellence in the performing arts. For further guidance, applicants are encouraged to consult the FAQs on the foundation's website.

The Lotte Lenya Competition, established in 1998 by the Kurt Weill Foundation for Music, honors the legacy of renowned actress Lotte Lenya. This unique contest blends acting and vocal skills, targeting performers aged 19-32 from diverse backgrounds. Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2023, the competition has increased its prize offerings, with over $1.6 million awarded to more than 800 singers. It's a prestigious platform that has propelled many winners to successful careers in musical theater and opera.

The Shubert Foundation offers grants to not-for-profit professional theatre and dance companies in the U.S., focusing on general operating support rather than project-specific funding. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and a proven track record in artistic and administrative excellence. Evaluations consider artistic achievement, community service, fiscal responsibility, and commitment to diversity and inclusion, ensuring support reaches those making significant contributions to the arts community.

The Ensign-Bickford Foundation Grant supports diverse community initiatives, emphasizing education and environmental sustainability. Established in 1952, it funds accredited educational programs, ecological preservation, and health services, while encouraging employee volunteerism and matching contributions. The Foundation prioritizes support for 501(c)(3) organizations and local projects that enhance community welfare. With a history of impactful giving, it plays a vital role in fostering societal well-being and innovation across various sectors.

The SBM Charitable Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for residents in Hartford, Tolland, and Windham Counties through funding programs in health, education, human services, housing, and the arts. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt or municipalities, focusing on community benefit. The Foundation prioritizes educational scholarships and health programs, emphasizing direct services and broad-based community projects. Applications are accepted annually, promoting accessibility and support for local initiatives.

Entergy’s Open Grants Program aims to enhance community well-being through funding initiatives in arts, education, social services, and community improvement. The program prioritizes support for organizations that serve diverse populations, including children and low-income communities. Eligible entities must have 501(c)(3) status or equivalent nonprofit recognition. Applications should be submitted three months in advance, allowing ample time for review. Entergy focuses on projects that foster self-sufficiency and enrich local neighborhoods.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Lilah Hilliard Fisher Foundation Grant offers year-round funding for initiatives focused on regenerative agriculture and nutrition education, particularly in New York City and Litchfield County, Connecticut. Emphasizing support for human trafficking survivors, youth development, and social justice, the Foundation seeks projects that align with these priorities. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities, with some multi-year grants available. Notably, proposals outside the specified areas are by invitation only.

The ASTR Targeted Research Area Grant supports projects by scholars focusing on under-represented areas in theatre, dance, and performance studies. This includes research on Asian, African, Latin American, and Middle Eastern disciplines, as well as pre-1900 studies and essential translations. The grant, offering up to $3000, encourages recipients to publish their findings and collaborate with Theatre Survey editors. Eligibility extends to scholars with terminal degrees and graduate students, provided they are ASTR members.

The ASTR Po-Hsien Chu International Scholar Award Fund aims to support international scholars facing unique challenges in the U.S. due to their visa status. This initiative offers annual research awards to up to two scholars, with a focus on at least one Asian recipient. The $1000 honorarium promotes access to funding for groundbreaking research in theatre and performance studies and encourages recipients to engage with the ASTR community through conferences and mentoring.

The Arts Fund Grants provide vital support for emerging artists from Australia and the USA, facilitating their artistic development through grants of up to $5,000. This funding can be used for travel, living expenses, tuition, and other related costs. Eligible applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of either country and have a formal offer from an accredited institution. The program emphasizes merit-based opportunities across various artistic fields, fostering international collaboration and cultural exchange.

The ASTR Theater and Performance Art Studies Research Fellowships provide funding for scholars conducting significant research in theatre and performance studies. With awards up to $3000, these fellowships support academic projects, allowing recipients to cover various research expenses. Eligible applicants include anyone holding a terminal degree and a member of ASTR, with the selection based on project merit. However, applicants cannot seek a Targeted Research Area Grant for the same project in the same year.

The Institute of Sacred Music (ISM) Fellowship at Yale University offers long-term fellowships for scholars and artists whose work aligns with the Institute's mission. Each year, a diverse group of fellows engages in interdisciplinary projects, exploring areas from Buddhist chant to African American sacred music. This fellowship provides access to Yale's rich resources, allowing fellows to teach courses and participate actively in a vibrant academic community, fostering the integration of arts and theology.

The ASTR Selma Jeanne Cohen Conference Presentation Award supports scholars participating in plenary or working sessions at the ASTR conference. This award encourages exploration of the intersections between theatre and dance, providing funds for travel and hotel expenses. Eligible applicants include graduate students, independent scholars, and faculty members accepted to present at the 2025 conference. The award offers a $1000 honorarium and complimentary registration, promoting active engagement in ASTR's community.