Best Grants for Performing Arts in Delaware

The Ralph J. Torraco Fine Arts Scholarship, offered by the UNICO Foundation, awards two $2,500 scholarships to U.S. students studying Fine Arts, including Performing, Visual, or Technical Arts. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens with a minimum GPA of 3.0, enrolled full-time in an accredited college, and planning to continue their studies into the 2025-2026 academic year. This scholarship aims to support and promote Italian American culture and heritage through the arts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations seeking capital funding for performing arts, social services, education, health, housing, environment, civic, or humanities projects in Delaware or southern Chester County may be eligible. Welfare Foundation primarily supports capital grants, with limited operating support, for organizations within its defined geographic area that meet its non-discrimination criteria.

Nonprofit organizations in Delaware or near Kennett Square can apply for Longwood Foundation grants to support catalytic projects that strengthen their missions and impact. Performing arts groups, along with other cultural and community-focused nonprofits, may be eligible if their work improves quality of life in Delaware or within four miles of Longwood Gardens.

Delaware government units and nonprofits presenting performing, visual, literary, media, or folk arts can receive up to US $5,000 to support occasional arts programs. Focused on community-based arts access, Delaware Division of the Arts invites Delaware organizations, schools, libraries, and similar entities to apply at least six weeks before their project begins.

Delaware performing arts presenters that are 501(c)(3) nonprofits or government units presenting touring artists can access funding through Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation’s Jazz Touring Network; awards up to US $3,000 support jazz presentation. Eligible organizations join a regional network for professional development and collaborative block-booking of jazz tours across the mid-Atlantic.

Performing arts presenters in Delaware and the broader mid-Atlantic region can receive subsidies to engage Mid Atlantic Tours roster artists, covering up to 50% of artist fees and related costs. Grants from Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation also offer up to US $2,000 for other eligible direct project expenses, supporting diverse performances in underserved communities.

Performing, media, visual, folk, and literary artists in Delaware can receive US $5,000 - US $12,000 fellowships to purchase equipment and materials, secure work time, or meet other career-advancing needs. Delaware Division of the Arts supports individual artists, who must publicly present their work during the fellowship year, with Emerging, Established, and Masters categories.

With a mission to support performing arts presenters, Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation provides Delaware and other mid-Atlantic organizations with subsidies for public performances and community engagement. Small and mid-size arts or community organizations with budgets under $3 million can receive US $750 - US $5,000, covering up to 50% of artist fees, travel, housing, and per diem.

Nonprofit organizations in Delaware can receive US $1,000 - US $2,500 to support small arts programs and projects, including performing, visual, literary, media, and folk arts. With a mission to build opportunity and advance equity, Delaware Community Foundation prioritizes projects reaching audiences with limited access to the arts.

Delaware performing arts students may be eligible for the Melvin L. and Frances E. Tolson Scholarship Trust Fund, which supports Carroll County, Ohio residents pursuing aviation, art education, or fine and performing arts at accredited colleges, universities, technical, or vocational schools. Awards from Stark Community Foundation start at More than US $500 and are renewable.

Delaware performing arts nonprofits presenting free outdoor music festivals can apply for Levitt Festival Grants supporting 2026 events. Focused on live music and community-building, the Mortimer and Mimi Levitt Foundation offers up to US $5,000 to U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations activating underused outdoor spaces with inclusive, no-cost performances.

Performing arts and entertainment professionals facing unexpected financial hardship can receive emergency assistance for basic living expenses through the Hunter Brown Emergency Assistance Fund. Focused on performing arts, Entertainment Community Fund invites eligible current or former Oregon Shakespeare Festival employees, including those in Delaware, to apply for help with housing, utilities, health care, and related urgent needs.

The Jean T. Grant Scholarship, established by The Columbus Foundation, honors the legacy of Jean Terry Grant, a devoted librarian and arts advocate. Providing $1,000, this scholarship supports graduating seniors from Columbus City Schools pursuing studies in music or the arts. Jean's commitment to education and the arts inspires future generations, ensuring that her passion for creativity and philanthropy continues to impact the community positively.

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.

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.

Elaine Sirkin Forbes Scholarship Fund

The Elaine Sirkin Forbes Scholarship Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships for high school seniors graduating from Allegheny County Schools who wish to major in visual, performance or media art.

Award Type: Single-Year Award

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds. 

Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Edward A. and Shirley B. Livi Scholarship Fund

To support residents of Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire Counties who are pursuing fine or performing arts beyond their college freshman year.

Additional Guidelines

• Students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Community Foundation.
• Scholarship awards could impact the financial aid offered by a college, and students are advised to check with their college financial aid offices about this.
• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. Some part and/or all the award could be considered taxable income. It is advisable students check with the college or tax accountant regarding this matter.

Kalamazoo Community Foundation

Fueling Equity & Racial Justice Since 1925

KZCF is dedicated to our mission to create a thriving community where people, resources and expertise are mobilized to advance racial, social and economic justice in Kalamazoo County.

Scholarships & Education Grants

For All Levels of Education After High School

Kalamazoo Community Foundation is dedicated to creating pathways to higher education so students can thrive in their academic pursuits and for a lifetime. We oversee more than 60 scholarships and education grants (many of which are multiyear awards) for college, graduate school, career training and more.

Dominic & Barbara Court Family Arts Scholarship Fund

This fund was established from the estate of Barbara Court to provide scholarships for students enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program that would lead to a career in the arts.

Multiyear Award; Renews Annually

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a student who is matriculating in a performing arts program, has demonstrated commitment to their art, and has demonstrated evidence of community involvement and service to others.

Company culture at Clark Associates emphasizes responsibility, sharing our success with others, and the importance of building strong communities. To help fulfill these goals, Clark Associates Charitable Foundation (CACF) was incorporated in 2001 and provides funding to organizations serving people in need and those delivering positive experiences for youth. CACF supports non-profits operating in and around its business locations and those where our employees volunteer and actively contribute. To date, CACF has distributed over $44 million in charitable contributions.

Organizations must be registered 501c3 charities serving three basic categories: people in need, innovative youth educational programs, and youth programs in music and the arts. People in need represents the largest giving category and includes homelessness, food insecurity, individuals with disabilities, victims of abuse, and people in recovery. Examples of other grant recipients include those assisting veterans, senior citizens, at-risk youth, academic enrichment, mentorship, leadership development, and those focused on the performing and visual arts.CACF evaluates grant applications submitted by non-profit organizations every month of the year.

Performing arts students pursuing higher education in accredited 2- or 4-year institutions can receive scholarship support through the O'Shea Patrick McCarthy Scholarship, including those from Delaware. Focused on education and the arts, Legacy Foundation offers a $1,000 award for full-time undergraduate study, paid directly to the school or for book reimbursement.

American Indian and Alaska Native vocational, undergraduate, and graduate students in the U.S. pursuing performing arts or related creative fields can apply for Native Forward Scholars Fund’s Hillman Barnett Adkins Endowed Fund Scholarship, with awards ranging from $100 to $30,000 per year. Delaware students studying music, drama, dance, or other listed arts disciplines may be eligible.

American Indian and Alaska Native female graduate students in performing and other arts fields can receive need-based scholarships to study full-time at accredited institutions in the U.S., including Delaware. Grants from Native Forward Scholars Fund support fine, visual, media, and literary arts, music, dance, creative writing, and poetry, with awards from US $100 - US $30,000.

Performing arts nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups in Delaware can apply for the Aaron Copland Fund for Music’s project support grants, awarding US $2,000 - US $20,000 for contemporary American concert music and jazz projects. Eligible activities include live performances, recordings or livestreams, dance or theater with live music, residencies, and related professional or artist support programs.

Performing arts nonprofits and music organizations in Delaware and nationwide that present contemporary American concert music or jazz can receive general operating support through unrestricted grants. Focused on contemporary music performance and related programs, the Aaron Copland Fund for Music offers US $2,000 - US $20,000 to ensembles, presenters, record companies, and music service organizations with at least two years of professional activity.

Graduating high school seniors and college students pursuing visual or performing arts degrees in Delaware may be eligible for the Burrell Family Scholarship, a non-renewable award administered through a single application. Crown Point Community Foundation manages this and many related scholarship funds to support students’ higher education in the arts.

Graduating high school seniors involved in theatre who are pursuing performing arts or related degrees can receive scholarship support, administered by Crown Point Community Foundation. With a mission to enrich community life, the foundation uses one common application to match students to multiple awards, which may benefit Delaware students fitting these criteria.

Students pursuing degrees in design, architecture, fine art, performing arts, or construction management can use this scholarship for educational expenses at accredited institutions. Focused on higher education, Central Indiana Community Foundation’s Walter Blackburn Scholarship may benefit performing arts students, though residency and preference criteria apply outside Delaware.