Best Grants for Performing Arts in Massachusetts

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

Early-stage, impact-first nonprofits and mission-driven for-profits in Massachusetts tackling major social or environmental challenges can receive up to US $300,000 over three years for scalable solutions. Focused on bold, systems-oriented models, Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation invites organizations whose work may include performing arts approaches that directly benefit underserved communities.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology to tackle education, crisis response, economic empowerment, or climate resilience challenges may be eligible for Global Impact Cash Grants in Massachusetts and worldwide. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help programs serving predominantly economically underserved communities scale innovative, tech-enabled solutions, with awards up to US $100,000 and applications accepted year-round via an initial LOI.

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.

Performing arts and arts education nonprofits in Massachusetts seeking project-based support for music, opera, performance, and media arts can apply for grants of US $2,500 - US $50,000. Grants from Mattina R. Proctor Foundation help organizations deliver performances and educational programs, especially those serving traditionally underserved communities.

Nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, and other eligible organizations in Massachusetts and across the U.S. can seek more than US $50,000 to support or scale projects serving urban low-income children and youth in education. The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation funds work that improves outcomes for children, which may include programs connected to performing arts education.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts offering youth development, academic enrichment, or arts programming, including performing arts, can apply for program or general operating support from the William E Schrafft & Bertha E Schrafft Charitable Trust. With a mission to foster underserved youths’ intellectual, personal, and artistic growth, the Trust prioritizes small to medium, community-based groups in Boston and New Bedford.

Massachusetts-based artists and community organizations creating public art projects in Massachusetts that cultivate spatial justice can apply for New England Foundation for the Arts’ Public Art for Spatial Justice grants, offering US $15,000 - US $30,000. Performing arts projects that engage public space, center community, and disrupt harmful narratives may be especially competitive.

Massachusetts performing arts nonprofits, schools, tribal governments, and public agencies can access funding for touring performances, readings, and screenings through the New England States Touring (NEST) program. Grants from New England Foundation for the Arts provide up to US $15,000 toward artist fees for multi-site tours and community engagement across New England.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Massachusetts nonprofit and municipal performing arts centers presenting eligible touring shows or artists can receive funding to help cover touring artist or show fees. Grants from Mass Cultural Council help Massachusetts performing arts venues stay competitive with resort-style casinos and strengthen community access to live arts across the state.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides Massachusetts performing arts and community nonprofits with funding for cultural enrichment, arts education, and access for underserved audiences. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations must align with its Meeting Basic Needs, Supporting Community Vitality, or Volunteer-Driven Causes focus areas and serve clients in the U.S., with priority for strong Ameriprise volunteer engagement.

Meet The Trustees

The Schrafft Candy Company was founded in Boston as a candy company by William F. Schrafft in 1861 before expanding into the restaurant business with stores in Boston and New York. The famous Schrafft neon sign, constructed in 1928, still sits atop the former candy factory in Charlestown, MA, where it can be seen from Route 93. In 1946, William and his wife Bertha Schrafft established a private charitable foundation which today continues their legacy of giving to improve the lives of the citizens of Boston and Massachusetts, especially its young people.

Schrafft Charitable Trust

Mission

The William and Bertha Schrafft Charitable Trust invests in community-based organizations to expand access to educational and artistic opportunities for young people in Boston and New Bedford.

Vision

We envision a future where every young person in Boston and New Bedford has the opportunity and resources to thrive and achieve their full potential.

How We Invest

Schrafft Charitable Trust is committed to investing in communities that have faced long-standing systemic disinvestment, aiming to increase access to life affirming services and opportunities.

Focus Areas

We are committed to helping young people develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in school to lay the foundation for satisfying and productive lives. Our education partners deliver high quality academic and college preparatory programming with a demonstrated ability to graduate students who then succeed in higher education and careers.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Malden and surrounding Massachusetts communities can apply for Adelaide Breed Bayrd Foundation grants to support culture, education, healthcare, social services, and youth or elderly programs. Performing arts and cultural organizations that clearly benefit Malden residents may be eligible, with a preference for capital improvements over operating deficits.

Greater Worcester Community Foundation

Run by the people, for the people, the Foundation is unique as a citizen-run model of philanthropy dedicated to enhancing the community as a whole, now and in the future, rather than just one sector or cause. The Foundation is unique in its capacity to unite people from diverse sectors in influencing and effecting positive change throughout Worcester County.

Greater Worcester Community Foundation is central Massachusetts’ leading community foundation, employing its expertise and resources to address the region’s most urgent needs. Mission: To enhance our community, now and in the future, through philanthropic leadership. Vision: The communities of greater Worcester are valued and attractive because of the well-being of our citizens.

Arts Programming in Public Libraries Grants

In celebration of our 50th anniversary, Greater Worcester Community Foundation is pleased to offer this grant opportunity exclusively to public libraries in Worcester County.

This grant program seeks to both elevate the arts and uplift the essential role libraries play in building community cohesion by making arts and culture experiences available to children, youth and families.

By bringing creative expression, visual/performing arts, and cultural programming into their spaces, libraries can engage communities, provide hands-on learning, and foster creativity.

Nonprofits, government entities, and individual artists in Massachusetts can receive funding for cultural heritage events and public arts programming in Chelsea, including performances, festivals, and community celebrations. Grants from City of Chelsea help cover programming costs, equipment rentals, accessibility services, marketing, insurance, venue fees, and food for public, Chelsea-focused arts and culture activities, up to US $15,000.

Meet The Trustees

The Schrafft Candy Company was founded in Boston as a candy company by William F. Schrafft in 1861 before expanding into the restaurant business with stores in Boston and New York. The famous Schrafft neon sign, constructed in 1928, still sits atop the former candy factory in Charlestown, MA, where it can be seen from Route 93. In 1946, William and his wife Bertha Schrafft established a private charitable foundation which today continues their legacy of giving to improve the lives of the citizens of Boston and Massachusetts, especially its young people.

Schrafft Charitable Trust

Mission

The William and Bertha Schrafft Charitable Trust invests in community-based organizations to expand access to educational and artistic opportunities for young people in Boston and New Bedford.

Vision

We envision a future where every young person in Boston and New Bedford has the opportunity and resources to thrive and achieve their full potential.

How We Invest

Schrafft Charitable Trust is committed to investing in communities that have faced long-standing systemic disinvestment, aiming to increase access to life affirming services and opportunities.

Focus Areas

We have a special interest in building effective pathways to economic independence in New Bedford through education, entrepreneurship and economic development. Our New Bedford partners leverage the strengths of the region (its people, culture, history, agriculture, fishing and seacoast resources) to provide pathways to life success for youth and young adults.

Massachusetts arts, humanities, and science organizations planning public cultural activities can access funding through Mass Cultural Council, with awards of US $2,500 - US $5,000. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, for-profits, government entities, Pre-K–12 schools, and unincorporated groups, including those offering performing arts, festivals, residencies, education, or other community-focused creative experiences.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in Massachusetts seeking support for environmental or human services programs can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000. Grants from Lawrence Foundation help fund general operating or program/project needs, and performing arts organizations may be eligible if their work fits these priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts serving youth and families can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000 for community-focused programs. Eligible projects may include youth education, housing support, food security, or environmental stewardship that could complement performing arts or arts-based youth initiatives.

Meet The Trustees

The Schrafft Candy Company was founded in Boston as a candy company by William F. Schrafft in 1861 before expanding into the restaurant business with stores in Boston and New York. The famous Schrafft neon sign, constructed in 1928, still sits atop the former candy factory in Charlestown, MA, where it can be seen from Route 93. In 1946, William and his wife Bertha Schrafft established a private charitable foundation which today continues their legacy of giving to improve the lives of the citizens of Boston and Massachusetts, especially its young people.

Schrafft Charitable Trust

Mission

The William and Bertha Schrafft Charitable Trust invests in community-based organizations to expand access to educational and artistic opportunities for young people in Boston and New Bedford.

Vision

We envision a future where every young person in Boston and New Bedford has the opportunity and resources to thrive and achieve their full potential.

How We Invest

Schrafft Charitable Trust is committed to investing in communities that have faced long-standing systemic disinvestment, aiming to increase access to life affirming services and opportunities.

Focus Areas

We value introducing all young people to high quality arts to develop their own skills as well as a passion for the arts. Our arts and culture partners offer direct instruction in the visual and performing arts as well as meaningful exposure to a wide range of arts disciplines.

We believe that nurturing the personal and interpersonal development of young people sets them up to thrive in adulthood. Our youth development partners provide developmental, mentoring, skill-building, and recreational opportunities during out of school hours (after-school, evenings, weekends and summers).

Meet The Trustees

The Schrafft Candy Company was founded in Boston as a candy company by William F. Schrafft in 1861 before expanding into the restaurant business with stores in Boston and New York. The famous Schrafft neon sign, constructed in 1928, still sits atop the former candy factory in Charlestown, MA, where it can be seen from Route 93. In 1946, William and his wife Bertha Schrafft established a private charitable foundation which today continues their legacy of giving to improve the lives of the citizens of Boston and Massachusetts, especially its young people.

Schrafft Charitable Trust

Mission

The William and Bertha Schrafft Charitable Trust invests in community-based organizations to expand access to educational and artistic opportunities for young people in Boston and New Bedford.

Vision

We envision a future where every young person in Boston and New Bedford has the opportunity and resources to thrive and achieve their full potential.

How We Invest

Schrafft Charitable Trust is committed to investing in communities that have faced long-standing systemic disinvestment, aiming to increase access to life affirming services and opportunities.

Focus Areas

We value introducing all young people to high quality arts to develop their own skills as well as a passion for the arts. Our arts and culture partners offer direct instruction in the visual and performing arts as well as meaningful exposure to a wide range of arts disciplines.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving underserved youth ages 6–21 can apply for the William E Schrafft & Bertha E Schrafft Charitable Trust’s program or general operating support, especially for academic enrichment, youth development, and arts programming. Performing arts organizations in Boston or New Bedford that meet these criteria may be eligible, particularly small to medium, community-based groups.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts seeking support for community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding projects can apply for funding through the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. Performing arts nonprofits whose work advances community well-being or environmental and peace-focused initiatives may be eligible under this broad charitable mission.