Upcoming Webinar
Instrumentl Fall Launch: Grant Work, Leveled Up.
Thu, Oct 29 or Wed, Nov 4 @ 2PM ET

Skip to main content
Main content

Best Grants for Performing Arts

Discover grants for performing arts organizations supporting theater, music, dance, outreach, and cultural enrichment.

540

Available grants

$15.4M

Total funding

$5K

Median grant

540 grants
$15.4M total
$5K median

Skip the search. Get matched with grants that fit your non-profit.

Skip the search.

Get matched with grants that actually fit.

Smart recommendations based on your profile — in minutes.

Find me grants

Filters

540 Results based on applied filters

Andy Warhol Foundation Grants for U.S. Arts Writing

Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts
Private
United States
US $15,000 - US $50,000
Individual arts writers creating articles, books, or short-form projects on contemporary visual or performing-related arts in the U.S. can receive US $15,000 - US $50,000 to support their writing. The Andy Warhol Foundation backs emerging and established critics, historians, journalists, and artists whose work deeply engages post-WWII visual art discourse.
Performing Arts Visual Arts Art History

Experimental Artist Project Funding from Warhol Foundation

Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts
Private
Johnson County, Iowa
Approximately US $8,000
Individual artists in eastern Iowa creating collaborative, experimental, or multidisciplinary visual, performing, film, or public art projects can receive approximately US $8,000 for public realization. Johnson County and nearby artists whose work supports under-resourced creatives or engages vulnerable systems may access this Big Field Fund Project Grant from the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts.
Visual Arts Performing Arts Film +1 more

Performing Arts Funding from PNC Foundation

PNC Foundation
Private
Atlantic County, New Jersey, Bergen County, New Jersey +12 more
US $25,000 - US $50,000
Visual and performing arts nonprofits in Greater Philadelphia, Delaware, and Southern New Jersey can apply for PNC Foundation’s PNC Arts Alive grants, awarding US $25,000 - US $50,000 for innovative arts programming and audience engagement. Eligible 501(c)(3) arts organizations can support exhibitions, performances, festivals, and pop-up experiences that broaden community access to the performing arts.
Performing Arts Visual Arts Arts / Culture Access & Participation

Peale Center Performing Arts Grants in Baltimore

Peale Center For Baltimore History And Architecture Inc
Private
Baltimore County, Maryland
Up to US $10,000
Collaborative, unincorporated artist groups in Baltimore City or County can receive up to US $10,000 for public-facing visual and performing arts projects. Peale Center for Baltimore History and Architecture supports initiatives like exhibitions, festivals, screenings, and installations where visual art is central, which may benefit performing arts collaborations that engage local communities.
Performing Arts Fine Art Visual Arts

U.S. Performing Arts Funding via First Peoples Fund

First Peoples Fund
Private
United States
Up to US $10,000
Native performing artists in the U.S. can receive up to US $10,000 to advance their artistic growth and careers through this year-long fellowship. First Peoples Fund provides funding, networking, and professional development for Indigenous practitioners of theater, music, dance, spoken word, and other live performance, which may benefit artists connected to nonprofit performing arts programs.
Performing Arts Native American Culture & Heritage Arts / Culture Access & Participation

Performing Arts Funding from Greater Cincinnati Foundation

Greater Cincinnati Foundation
Private
Boone County, Kentucky, Butler County, Ohio +6 more
US $15,000 - US $350,000
Performing arts nonprofits in the Greater Cincinnati area can apply for US $15,000 - US $350,000 to support performances, new works, and youth arts education. The Greater Cincinnati Foundation’s David C. Herriman Fund serves 501(c)(3) arts organizations in specified Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana counties, with preference for musical and other performing arts groups and guest artists.
Music Performing Arts Art Education +1 more

Professional Development Grants for Arts Organizations

South Arts, Inc.
Private
Alabama, Florida +7 more
Up to US $1,000
South Arts, Inc. offers Professional Development Grants for Arts Organizations to enhance the skills and knowledge of Southern arts entities. These grants aim to support operational stability and growth, focusing on organizations with budgets of $500,000 or less. Eligible applicants include a range of arts organizations within South Arts' nine-state service area. The program emphasizes first-time opportunities and requires a dollar-for-dollar cash match, ensuring a commitment to professional development in the arts.
Performing Arts Film Visual Arts +4 more

Community Art Grants

Saratoga Arts
Private
Fulton County, New York, Montgomery County, New York +1 more
US $1,000 - US $5,000
Saratoga Arts offers Community Art Grants to fund projects that engage the community and promote direct interaction with art. Grants range from $1,000 to $7,500, supporting diverse programming that fosters inclusivity and collaboration among artists and organizations. With a commitment to enhancing cultural quality, these grants aim to reach rural and economically disadvantaged populations, ensuring that the arts are accessible to all. Applications are accepted annually, with a focus on innovative approaches to public engagement.
Performing Arts Visual Arts Arts / Culture Access & Participation

Visual Arts Fund (VAF)

Midway Contemporary Art
Private
Anoka County, Minnesota, Carver County, Minnesota +5 more
US $10,000
The Visual Arts Fund (VAF), established by Midway Contemporary Art with support from The Andy Warhol Foundation, offers $60,000 in grants for artist-organized projects in the Twin Cities metro area. This initiative encourages diverse visual arts projects with public engagement components, including exhibitions, performances, and digital initiatives. The program emphasizes innovative projects that might not otherwise occur, fostering a vibrant artistic community while adhering to specific eligibility criteria.
Visual Arts Performing Arts

The Idea Fund Grants

DiverseWorks
Private
Harris County, Texas
Up to US $5,000

ABOUT THE IDEA FUND

The Idea Fund is a re-granting program administered by DiverseWorks in partnership with Aurora Picture Show and Project Row Houses and funded by the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. Since 2009, The Idea Fund has provided grants for artist-generated or artist-centered projects that exemplify unconventional, interventionist, conceptual, entrepreneurial, participatory, or guerrilla artistic practices.

The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts Regional Regranting Program, launched in 2007, aims to support vibrant, under-the-radar and self-organized artistic activity by partnering with leading cultural institutions in communities across the country. The program reaches a sizable population of informal, non-incorporated artist collectives, and supports their alternative gathering spaces, publications, websites, events, and other projects. Together, this network of programs has funded more than 800 artist projects.4

Project activities must function primarily within, or have a strong connection to the visual arts (painting, drawing, sculpture, social practice, performance, film/video, photography, textiles, ceramics, cross-disciplinary, public art, new media, and digital processes etc.) 

Media Arts Visual Arts Public / Community Art +1 more

Sinew Fund Grants

Racing Magpie
Private
Bennett County, South Dakota, Buffalo County, South Dakota +9 more
US $5,000 - US $10,000
The Sinew Fund Grants, supported by Racing Magpie, empower Oceti Sakowin visual creatives in the U.S. to engage their communities through innovative, artist-led projects. Focused on the rich cultural heritage of Lakota communities, these grants foster collaborative, community-based initiatives that enhance cultural dialogue and creative expression. Eligible applicants must be connected to an Oceti Sakowin tribe and aim for projects that prioritize public engagement within current-day Western South Dakota.
Performing Arts Media Arts Visual Arts +1 more

Joyce Peugh Pate Capper Charitable Trust Grant

TUA JOYCE CAPPER CHARITABLE TR
Private
Tarrant County, Texas
US $10,000 - US $20,000
The Joyce Peugh Pate Capper Charitable Trust Grant supports charitable initiatives in Fort Worth, Texas, with a focus on the performing and visual arts, libraries, churches, and hospitals. Established by philanthropist Joyce Peugh Pate Capper, the trust prioritizes organizations active during her lifetime. Eligible applicants must operate within Tarrant County, while grants are not awarded for animal-related causes. This grant fosters community enrichment and cultural development in the region.
Religion & Spirituality Health Care Access & Delivery Library Services +2 more

J.R. Simplot Company Foundation Grant

J R Simplot Company Foundation Inc
Private
Arkansas, California +8 more
Unspecified amount
The J.R. Simplot Company Foundation Grant supports U.S. non-profit organizations focused on art, education, youth, community, and global food and agriculture. Established in 1929, the foundation is committed to enhancing community welfare through creative cultural endeavors, educational initiatives, health services, and youth programs. Applications are reviewed quarterly, ensuring a timely response to organizations dedicated to making a positive impact in their communities.
Performing Arts Visual Arts Education - Higher Education +5 more

DCLA Premier Grants

Staten Island Arts
Association/Society
Richmond County, New York
US $750 - US $5,000
The DCLA Premier Grants provide vital support to first-time applicants, including individual artists and community organizations on Staten Island. These grants focus on projects that foster public engagement and enhance cultural programming across diverse artistic disciplines. Eligible applicants must demonstrate community interest, clear objectives, and a realistic plan for implementation. Priority is given to projects that address under-resourced communities or artistic disciplines, ensuring equitable access to funding and cultural production opportunities.
Public / Community Art Humanities & Social Science Community Culture & Heritage +7 more

DCLA Art Fund Grants

Staten Island Arts
Association/Society
Richmond County, New York
US $750 - US $7,000
The DCLA Art Fund Grants, offered by Staten Island Arts, support individual artists and collectives in creating culturally significant work. Open to all artistic disciplines, projects must include a public component. Emphasizing community engagement, the grants prioritize under-resourced disciplines and communities. With funding from the Greater New York Arts Development Fund, these grants aim to enhance cultural programming and education, fostering a vibrant arts scene on Staten Island.
Art & Culture Public / Community Art Humanities & Social Science +8 more

NYSCA Encore Grants

New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA)
State/Local Government
Richmond County, New York
US $500 - US $5,000
The NYSCA Encore Grants are designed to support returning Staten Island-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in presenting significant artistic and cultural programming across various disciplines. Eligible projects must focus on cultural expression and be accessible to the community, emphasizing artistic significance and addressing under-resourced disciplines. The grant is funded by the New York State Council on the Arts and aims to enhance local cultural production and community engagement.
Art & Culture Humanities & Social Science Community Culture & Heritage +8 more

NYSCA Arts Bring Change (ABC) Grants

New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA)
State/Local Government
Richmond County, New York
Up to US $2,500
The NYSCA Arts Bring Change (ABC) Grants support local cultural organizations and artists who collaborate with public schools to provide K-12 students with engaging artistic experiences. Funded by the New York State Council on the Arts, this program emphasizes art exploration and requires projects to include hands-on learning sessions. Applicants must demonstrate a partnership with schools and meet specific eligibility criteria, ensuring impactful and meaningful artistic education for students.
Education - K through 12 Art Education Arts / Culture Access & Participation +9 more

Perenchio Foundation: General Operating Support Grant

Perenchio Foundation
Private
Los Angeles County, California
Unspecified amount

General Operating Support Grant Overview

The Perenchio Foundation is dedicated to supporting the arts in Los Angeles, with a focus on visual and performing arts organizations that partner with, support, and represent historically underfunded communities. We believe that the arts play an essential role in creating a more equitable, culturally vibrant, and inclusive region.

Our multi-year General Operating Support Grants provide LA County arts organizations with unrestricted funding, which may be used for costs including but not limited to payroll and benefits for staff, rent or mortgage, leadership and staff development, and strategic planning. By offering flexible support with a commitment for multiple years, we aim to help arts organizations strengthen their infrastructure, plan from a place of greater confidence and stability, build capacity, and address immediate needs.

Performing Arts Visual Arts

Russell Hill Rogers Fund for the Arts Grant

Russell Hill Rogers Fund For The Arts
Private
Bexar County, Texas
Unspecified amount
The Russell Hill Rogers Fund for the Arts Grant supports the creative and performing arts in the San Antonio area, honoring Rogers' legacy. Grants are focused on specific projects, performances, and productions aligned with the arts, including music, literature, and visual arts. Only 501(c)(3) organizations primarily serving the San Antonio metropolitan area are eligible. The Fund emphasizes thoughtful consideration of funding requests while adhering to its budget limitations, ensuring a lasting impact on the local arts community.
Architecture Performing Arts Visual Arts

ETC: Performing Arts Funding Grant

ETC
Corporate
United States
Up to US $5,000
The ETC Performing Arts Funding Grant, established in 1975, aims to support non-profit performance groups across the United States. With grants up to $5,000, the initiative seeks to encourage artistic expression and innovation. Applicants must be U.S.-based organizations, including 501(c)(3) non-profits and accredited educational institutions. However, funding does not cover salaries, travel, or events. Preference is given to groups producing original work. The competitive nature of the grant means that meeting eligibility does not guarantee funding.
Performing Arts

City of Carlsbad Community Arts Grants: For Educational Institutions and Affiliated Groups - Arts in Schools

City of Carlsbad Cultural Arts Division
State/Local Government
San Diego County, California
Up to US $3,500
The City of Carlsbad Community Arts Grants support educational institutions and affiliated groups in enhancing arts education through various programs. Aiming to foster creativity and cultural engagement, this initiative promotes diverse representation and participation in arts. Grants of up to $3,500 are available for projects that prioritize inclusivity and community impact. Applications are open to nonprofit schools and organizations in Carlsbad, adhering to specific guidelines that ensure equitable access to arts funding.
Community Culture & Heritage Art Education Educational Access & Equity +8 more

NYSCA Support for Artists Grant (NY)

New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA)
State/Local Government
New York
US $10,000
The NYSCA Support for Artists Grant offers vital funding to artists in New York State, promoting the development of new work across various artistic disciplines. This grant is designed to enhance diverse artistic voices, encourage significant growth in individual artists, and strengthen collaborations with sponsoring organizations. Prequalification is mandatory for nonprofit applicants, ensuring a streamlined process for those seeking to elevate their creative endeavors. Artists are invited to apply through sponsoring organizations to receive support for their innovative projects.
Art & Culture Music Writing & Literature +7 more

NYSCA Targeted Opportunities Grant (NY)

New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA)
State/Local Government
New York
US $10,000 - US $35,000
The NYSCA Targeted Opportunities Grant supports the arts and creativity in New York State through various funding opportunities, including Folk and Traditional Arts Apprenticeships, Rehearsal Space for Performing Arts, and Performing Arts Residencies. Grants range from $10,000 to $35,000, depending on the program. Nonprofit organizations must prequalify with the State Financial System to be eligible for funding, ensuring a focus on enhancing artistic diversity across the state.
Performing Arts Folk Art / Traditional Art Artist Training & Development +1 more

Project Awards

Rasmuson Foundation
Private
Alaska
US $10,000
The Rasmuson Foundation offers Project Awards to support Alaska artists in various disciplines with grants of $10,000 for specific short-term projects. This initiative aims to help emerging, mid-career, and established artists reflect on their work, explore creativity, and develop their artistry. Applications are open until June 9, 2025, providing essential resources for individual artists and collaboratives alike. The program emphasizes professional development and promotion of artistic work through various channels.
Art & Culture Visual Arts Native American Culture & Heritage +10 more

Fellowship Award

Rasmuson Foundation
Private
Alaska
US $50,000
The Fellowship Award, offered by the Rasmuson Foundation, supports mid-career and established artists in Alaska with grants of up to $25,000. These awards enable artists to focus on their creative work for a year, providing resources for reflection and experimentation. Recipients also benefit from professional development and promotion of their work, enhancing their skills in marketing and finances. This initiative encourages collaboration among artists, fostering a vibrant artistic community in Alaska.
Artist Training & Development Art & Culture Music +10 more

Community Impact Grants for Nonprofits from AES Ohio Foundation

AES Ohio Foundation
Corporate
Auglaize County, Ohio, Brown County, Ohio +22 more
US $50,000 - US $100,000
Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in AES Ohio’s 24-county West Central Ohio service area can seek $50,000 to $100,000 Power Grants for basic needs, health and human services, education, and arts initiatives. Grants from AES Ohio Foundation help performing arts groups and other community programs reduce barriers, improve health outcomes, and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Basic Human Needs Workforce Preparation & Job Readiness +10 more

Colorado Office Performing Arts Grants in Colorado

Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade
State/Local Government
Colorado
Up to US $500
Performing arts and cultural leaders in Colorado can receive up to US $500 stipends to implement community-focused arts and culture projects after completing the Colorado Change Leader Program. The Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade provides a month-long leadership institute, alumni network, and additional professional development funding opportunities that may benefit creative nonprofits and arts organizers.
Civic Leadership Development Art & Culture Performing Arts +2 more

Grants for Performing Arts Highlights

Grants for performing arts provide funding to support theatrical productions, dance companies, and music ensembles. The following grants help organizations promote artistic expression, foster cultural enrichment, and expand access to live performances.


Search Instrumentl's Performing Arts Grants Database


Explore 137 funding opportunities for performing arts, with $5.9M available. Instrumentl helps nonprofits sustain and grow cultural programming with strategic grant recommendations, deadline tracking, and funder insights.

Grant Insights : Grants for Performing Arts

Grant Availability

How common are grants in this category?

Common — grants in this category appear regularly across funding sources.

100+ Grants for Performing Arts grants for nonprofits in the United States, from private foundations to corporations seeking to fund grants for nonprofits.

15 Grants for Performing Arts over $25K in average grant size

7 Grants for Performing Arts over $50K in average grant size

33 Grants for Performing Arts supporting general operating expenses

100+ Grants for Performing Arts supporting programs / projects

600+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Performing Arts

2,000+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Youth Services

Grant Deadline Distribution

Over the past year, when are grant deadlines typically due for grants for Performing Arts?

Most grants are due in the second quarter.

Q1
26.9%
Q2
27.8%
Q3
24.8%
Q4
20.5%

Typical Funding Amounts

What's the typical grant amount funded for Grants for Performing Arts?

Grants are most commonly $5,500.

$250 $250 Min.
$5,500 $5.5 K Median
$57,943 $57.9 K Average
$3,750,500 $3.8 M Max.

Frequently asked questions

Instrumentl simplifies the grant application process for nonproft organizations interested in grants for performing arts. This platform streamlines your search of more than 100 grant opportunities by helping you filter out relevant funding opportunities. The platform also gives detailed funder insights that help organizations tailor their applications to align with grantor priorities. Discover how Eversight increased their grant success rate from 14% to 22%.

Nonprofits who are interested in grants for performing arts include nonprofit theatres, dance companies, orchestras, and arts education organizations. Funders provide grant monies that support theatrical productions, dance companies, and music ensembles. Many grants require applicants to be 501(c)(3) organizations and may prioritize programs that increase access to the arts, support emerging artists, and promote cultural diversity.

Grants in performing arts typically have the highest concentration of deadlines in Q2, with 27.8% of grant deadlines falling in this period. If you're planning to apply, consider prioritizing your applications around this time to maximize opportunities. Conversely, the least active period for grants in this category is Q4.

Performing arts grants support artistic performances, theatrical productions, dance companies, music ensembles, educational outreach, artist residencies, and community engagement initiatives. Funders also aim to promote and enhance artistic and cultural expression, expand arts accessibility and access to live performances, foster cultural enricnment, and sustain creative institutions. Over 100 grants are available and $2.6 million in funding is being offered for nonprofit groups that support the arts and artistic expression.

Funding for performing arts grants varies widely, with award amounts ranging from a minimum of $250 to a maximum of $3,750,500. Based on Instrumentl’s data, the median grant amount for this category is $5,500, while the average grant awarded is $57,943. Understanding these funding trends can help nonprofits set realistic expectations when applying.

Of the $2.6 million available in funding, most comes from private funders and state and local government entities. On the private side of grant funding, the Gates Family Foundation, the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, the Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation, and the New England Foundation For The Arts are just a few private grantors that support the performing arts.

In addition, there are many and state and local government funders, including the Utah Division of Art & Museums, the Virginia Commission for the Arts, and the California Arts Council. Federal funding is also available through the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).

To improve grant success in the performing arts, nonprofit organizations should concentrate on all of these key areas:

  • Align with funder priorities – Tailor proposals to match the funder’s mission and present clear audience engagement strategies in key areas.
  • Use measurable outcomes – Provide data that demonstrates the impact of their programs.
  • Build strategic partnerships – Collaborate with local schools or cultural institutions.
  • Develop a compelling narrative – Tell the narratives of theatrical productions, dance companies, or performing arts students who have been helped by your programs.

Not sure how much to request in a grant application? Learn how to calculate the right amount with our grant request sizing guide.