Best Grants for Performing Arts

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

In just one application, our Common Scholarship Application provides students access to more than 150 scholarship opportunities with awards ranging from $1,000 to more than $5,000.

In 2025, San Diego Foundation awarded a record-breaking $5.5 million in scholarships to nearly 1,400 students.

Witt Matheny Scholarship

Plan to enroll full-time at an accredited community college or licensed career/technical school in California in fall.

Depending on the scholarship, it may pay for tuition, room and board, books, fees and/or other related educational expenses. This will be outlined in your award notification.

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.

About GCAC

The Greater Columbus Arts Council supports artists and arts organizations through a spectrum of grant programs, workshops, networking events and services. GCAC also shares a host of resources such as calls for artists, job opportunities, nonprofit board openings and listings of spaces for rent. Subscribe to our newsletters to stay up-to-date on GCAC grant deadlines, workshops and events.

Legal Grant & Lawyer Referral Program

GCAC recognizes that artists confront a range of legal matters critical to their career sustainability and the protection of their creative works. In 2026, GCAC is offering a grant to assist with some legal expenses related to an artist’s art practice and art business. In addition, GCAC established a Lawyer Referral Service with attorneys who guarantee to provide our legal program grantees a flat fee of $300 per eligible legal service.

Purpose:

Assist artists with protecting their artwork and art business.

This Grant is open to:

Individuals who work in the following disciplines: dance, fashion, film, literary, music, theater, visual and multidisciplinary arts who meet GCAC’s definition of a working artist.

Award Amount:

$300 to pay an attorney for eligible services

The Greater Columbus Arts Council's Artist Projects grant supports original, artist-led projects in all disciplines within Columbus. It aims to foster artistic creation and ensures that artists have the freedom to define their project's goals. Eligible artists must be working in various art forms, including dance, film, and visual arts, and demonstrate community value. Awards can reach up to $10,000 for artists and $25,000 for filmmakers, promoting a vibrant arts scene in the city.

Grant Program Overview

San Antonio is home to a vibrant and deeply rooted cultural community. A central initiative of the Department of Arts & Culture is grant funding for artists and nonprofit cultural organizations. With revenues from the Hotel Occupancy Tax and the Arts & Entertainment Ticketing Fund, the Department of Arts & Culture invests in San Antonio’s dynamic creative community. 

Performing Arts Venue Improvement Grants

The Department of Arts & Culture offers Venue Improvement Grants for capital improvements and equipment purchases to enhance the guest experience. These grants are only available to current Operational grantees. 

Grants invest in San Antonio's cultural community through:

• artist support
• operational support
• events
• production costs
• capital improvements
• equipment purchases

Performing Arts Venue Improvement Grants

• Supports capital improvements and the purchase of equipment to enhance the quality of productions and guest experiences in San Antonio
• Funded by the City of San Antonio’s agreement with Ticketmaster through the Arts & Entertainment Enhancement Fund
• Open call issued every other year
• Maximum grant of up to $25,000 

The Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC) offers the 'Funds for Artists' program to support individual artists in various disciplines, including dance, music, and visual arts. This grant assists with costs for materials, professional development, and marketing, providing up to $750. Eligible applicants must be working artists, residents of Franklin County, and over 18 years old. Notably, those enrolled in undergraduate programs or residing outside Franklin County are not eligible. The initiative aims to foster new artistic creations and enhance skills.

The Don Lumadue Scholarship is offered by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut to support students from New London, Waterford, and East Lyme high schools pursuing education in the fine or performing arts. Established in 1983, the foundation aims to address community needs and promote equity through philanthropy. With over $100 million awarded in grants, it focuses on empowering youth and fostering inclusivity in the region.

The Marion Kellum Performing Arts Scholarship, administered by the Crown Point Community Foundation, aims to support graduating high school seniors pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts or related degrees. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and documented involvement in at least five theatre productions. This non-renewable scholarship provides essential financial assistance to nurture talent in the performing arts, enhancing the cultural landscape of South Lake County.

The Burrell Family Scholarship, administered by the Crown Point Community Foundation, supports South Lake County residents pursuing degrees in visual or performing arts. This non-renewable scholarship is aimed at graduating high school seniors and college students, ensuring that the funds reach those who demonstrate a commitment to arts education. The scholarship committee evaluates applications based on specific donor criteria, promoting educational opportunities within the community.

The Willson Center Short-Term Visiting Fellowships at the University of Georgia provide funding for distinguished scholars, artists, and performers to engage with the university community. Awarded to tenured or tenure-track faculty, this fellowship supports five-day programs with a budget of $5,000, covering honorarium and travel expenses. Fellows are encouraged to conduct workshops and public presentations, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and enhancing the intellectual environment on campus.

The Co-Curricular Program Fund provides competitive grants to New Hampshire school districts for creating new unified co-curricular activities. These grants, up to $4,000, support first-year operational costs for equipment and uniforms. The initiative aims to enhance academic programs, promote social development, and encourage student participation in various extracurricular activities. Remaining funds will help replace equipment and uniforms in existing programs, thereby enriching the educational experience and fostering community engagement.

The ACFM General Support Program provides funding ranging from $2,000 to $20,000 for organizations committed to contemporary American concert music and jazz. It supports performing ensembles, presenters, and music service organizations that enhance public appreciation of these genres. Eligible applicants must have a minimum of two years of programming history and a professional operational level. Activities must occur within the specified support year of September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2027.

The ACFM Project Support Program offers funding between $2,000 and $20,000 for special projects that enhance public appreciation of contemporary American concert music and jazz. Eligible applicants include performing ensembles and music organizations with a minimum of two years of programming history. Projects must focus on contemporary works by American composers and can involve live performances, recordings, or educational initiatives. This support is pivotal for fostering innovation and creativity in the American music scene.

The NYSCA/NYFA Community Arts Leaders Program provides essential support for 45 nonprofit arts organizations in New York State. This program, funded by the New York State Council on the Arts, offers workshops on governance, marketing, and fundraising, along with personalized coaching to address specific growth challenges. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)3 status and an operating budget under $1.5 million, with a focus on rural and BIPOC-led groups encouraged to apply.

The NYSCA/NYFA Artist as Entrepreneur Program, hosted by the Roxbury Arts Group, offers a unique professional development opportunity for artists and creatives of all disciplines. This free program, running from November 6-9, focuses on sustainability in the arts, equipping participants with essential tools for success in their creative endeavors. Open to all artists within commuting distance of Delaware County, this initiative aims to foster community and innovative thinking in the arts.

The Large Creative & Performing Arts Grants, offered by the University of Notre Dame's Franco Family Institute, support innovative arts projects led by faculty in the College of Arts & Letters. These grants are awarded biannually and prioritize projects that foster social engagement, explore sacred themes, or integrate technology with the arts. Eligible faculty can use the grants for materials, travel, and exhibition costs, enhancing the creative landscape and encouraging collaboration among scholars and artists.

The Elizabeth Furber Scholarship honors the legacy of Elizabeth Furber by providing financial assistance to American Indian and Alaska Native female graduate students. This scholarship supports students pursuing full-time degrees in various fields, including fine arts, music, and creative writing. As a need-based award, it requires applicants to demonstrate Tribal affiliation through a Tribal Eligibility Certificate. This opportunity empowers eligible students to achieve their academic goals.

The Dodge Fund Scholarship, established by the Education Foundation of Lake County, supports two graduates from Eustis, Mount Dora, or Tavares High School, one focused on Performing Arts and the other on Visual Arts. Applicants need a minimum GPA of 3.0 and must be actively involved in their chosen art discipline during high school. This scholarship empowers students to pursue higher education, facilitating access to college or vocational training, with awards ranging between $500 and $20,000.

Our Mission

Our mission is to serve as the connection between our community and public education, evaluating needs and securing resources to enhance the quality of education.

Originally established in 1987 as the Dial-A-Teacher program in Lake County, Florida, by local business leaders in collaboration with the Lake County School District. The primary objective was to provide homework assistance to students, particularly those facing academic challenges. In 1988, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization was renamed the Education Foundation of Lake County, Inc. This rebranding marked a broader commitment to enhancing public education in the community. Today, the foundation continues to serve as a vital link between the community and public education, offering various programs and initiatives to support students and educators throughout Lake County. We are a member of the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations.

Scholarships

Scholarships play a pivotal role in empowering students to pursue post-secondary education like a college or university degree, vocational credentials, or certifications. In partnership with our donors, the Education Foundation of Lake County offers scholarships based on academic achievement, talent and financial need. Annually, we award scholarships ranging from $500 to $20,000 to graduating Lake County seniors.

Women’s Committee for the Arts Scholarship

This scholarship will be awarded to a graduate from Eustis, Mount Dora and Tavares High School. Applicants must be actively involved in the Visual or Performing Arts and have a 3.0 or higher GPA.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

Parkville Fine Arts Association

The Parkville Fine Arts Association (PFAA) Scholarship Fund provides annual scholarships to graduating seniors of Park Hill School District. The scholarships are intended to assist students who are pursuing higher education in the field of fine arts. Fine arts are defined as music, drama or the visual or performing arts.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

Hillman Barnett Adkins Endowed Fund Scholarship

The Hillman Barnett Adkins Endowed Fund is provided in honor of members of the Hillman, Barnett, and Adkins families. The purpose of the Hillman Barnett Adkins Endowed Fund is to provide financial assistance to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native vocational, undergraduate, and graduate students enrolled at an accredited not-for-profit college/university, vocational school, or Tribally controlled college or university (TCU) and pursuing degrees with a focus in Fine Arts (studio arts), Performing Arts (music, drama, musical theater, dance), Creative Writing, Art History, Visual Communication, Photography, Culinary Arts, Film (Cinematography, Screenwriting), or Fashion Design & Jewelry Design.

This opportunity is a merit-based award.

About HAA

Houston Arts Alliance (HAA) is a local arts and culture non-profit agency whose principal work is to implement the City of Houston’s vision, values, and goals for its arts grantmaking and civic art investments. HAA’s work is conducted through contracts with the City of Houston, overseen by the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs. HAA also executes privately funded programs and projects to meet the needs of the arts community, such as disaster preparation and research on the state of the arts in Houston.

In short, HAA helps artists and nonprofits be bold, productive, and strong.

Support for Artists and Creative Individuals (SACI)

The Support for Artists and Creative Individuals (SACI) grant provides funds of up to $15,000 for specific projects that create and present new works of art or complete work already in progress throughout Houston. 

Applications are accepted from all artistic disciplines and creative practitioners, including but not limited to musicians, visual artists, performing artists, textile artists, digital artists, conservation artists, and creative entrepreneurs such as hairstylists, make-up artists, nail techs, gallerists, writers, photographers, and arts administrators. Creatives are encouraged to demonstrate their creativity in whatever form it takes.

Based on community input requesting greater stability, the SACI grant program is awarded based on cash in hand and not from projected income. This practice helps guarantee grant amounts with greater certainty.

SACI grants are funded by City of Houston via the Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT), funded by cash-in-hand and available in one annual cycle.

The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County

At The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County, we make it easy to give back to the community we all love through comprehensive and trusted charitable giving. We partner with donors, professional advisors and nonprofits to fund local needs through community endowments and support to charities. By expertly managing these funds in-house or with local financial advisors, we’re able to power the arts, faith-based initiatives, environmental grants, human services, domestic and wildlife animal organizations and educational initiatives that help to strengthen our community and make it a vibrant place to live and work. 

Community Grants (restricted)

TCFHR manages a number of funds that make grants ONLY to organizations working primarily in specific fields.

Valley Arts & Culture Fund

This permanent fund provides program, project and seed funds to small and medium sized nonprofit organizations promoting performing and visual arts and interpreting the culture and traditions of and in the Shenandoah Valley.

The Norman Archibald Charitable Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations in Northwest Washington, focusing on enhancing the quality of life through community services. Established in 1976, the Foundation prioritizes funding for education, the arts, and hunger relief agencies. Grants are awarded primarily to organizations with tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) and limited assets, ensuring that funds reach those most in need. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with specific deadlines before quarterly board meetings.

The Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation focuses on enhancing the quality of life in greater Kansas City through strategic philanthropy. It supports organizations dedicated to nonprofit excellence, addressing systemic issues, and improving outcomes for underserved communities. Grants typically range from $100,000 to $250,000, aiming for transformational change. The Foundation prioritizes local organizations that align with its mission and values, ensuring a significant community impact.

The Howard Gilman Foundation Grant aims to support New York City's vibrant performing arts organizations. By providing general operating support, the foundation fosters long-term partnerships with those that reflect the city's diverse cultural community. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) entities or fiscally sponsored, with a focus on inclusivity and accessibility in the arts. The foundation prioritizes organizations of color and those in underserved neighborhoods, ensuring a thriving arts ecosystem for all.