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Best Grants for Performing Arts

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

538

Available grants

$15.4M

Total funding

$5K

Median grant

538 grants
$15.4M total
$5K median

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538 Results based on applied filters

Administering Organization – Individual Artists Fellowship (Central Coast)

California Arts Council
State/Local Government
Monterey County, California, San Benito County, California +4 more
US $5,000 - US $50,000

Background & Purpose

The California Arts Council (CAC) is a statewide agency committed to serving California artists, arts organizations, and communities of all sizes and needs. Guided by racial equity principles, the CAC continuously evaluates its grantmaking practices to ensure fair and inclusive funding opportunities that sustain a vibrant, safe, and resilient creative ecosystem across the state.

Through regionally based Administering Organizations (AOs), the Individual Artists Fellowship (IAF) program uplifts and celebrates California artists across all disciplines and traditions, highlights their excellence and acknowledges their leadership in shaping traditional and contemporary cultures. The program includes three fellowship tiers with a different award amount:

CAC Emerging Artist Fellows – $5,000

Emerging artists are those in the beginning stages of making their work public and engaging the larger community in their practice.

CAC Established Artist Fellows – $10,000

Artists in the Established tier regularly make their work public and engage the larger community in their practice.

CAC Legacy Artist Fellows – $50,000

Artists in the Legacy tier can point to a significant body of work, produced over a substantial period of time, that has engaged their communities and that has made significant social impact.

The CAC approved eight regional AOs for the fellowship in September 2025. Each of the AOs has information and  details regarding their Individual Artists Fellowship programs, including application deadlines. If you are an individual artist, apply to the statewide fellowship program through the Regional AO listed below that serves your county. Please note: Individual artists must live in the region they are applying to and may submit an application to only one region.

  • Bay Area (Kala Art Institute) - Counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Sonoma
  • Central Valley & Sierra (Kern Dance Alliance) - Counties: Amador, Calaveras, Fresno, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Mono, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tulare, Tuolumne
  • Inland Empire & South Coast (ArtsOC) - Counties: Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange
  • Far South (Commission for Arts and Culture / Cultural Affairs) - Counties: Imperial, San Diego
  • Central Coast (Arts Council Santa Cruz County) - Counties: Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Ventura
  • Capital (Teatro Nagual) - Counties: Yolo, Solano, Sacramento, El Dorado, Alpine
  • Upstate (Nevada County Arts Council (NCArts)) - Counties: Del Norte, Siskiyou, Modoc, Humboldt, Trinity, Shasta, Lassen, Mendocino, Tehama, Butte, Plumas, Lake, Glenn, Sierra, Colusa, Sutter, Yuba, Nevada, Placer
  • South (Los Angeles Performance Practice) - County: Los Angeles

Region 5: Central Coast Administered by Arts Council Santa Cruz County

The City of San Diego invites applications from eligible individual artists for the Individual Artist Fellowship (IAF), which provides unrestricted awards ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. The California Arts Council (CAC) has selected the City as an Administering Organization for this statewide initiative, supporting a two-year fellowship program for individual artists and culture bearers across all disciplines.

The Individual Artist Fellowship for Region 8 serves San Diego and Imperial Counties, an area spanning 9,008 square miles and home to 3.48 million residents. The program strengthens the regional arts workforce by investing directly in artists whose work contributes to the cultural vitality of their communities.

Art & Culture Writing & Literature Performing Arts +4 more

Administering Organization – Individual Artists Fellowship (Capital)

California Arts Council
State/Local Government
Alpine County, California, El Dorado County, California +3 more
US $5,000 - US $50,000

Background & Purpose

The California Arts Council (CAC) is a statewide agency committed to serving California artists, arts organizations, and communities of all sizes and needs. Guided by racial equity principles, the CAC continuously evaluates its grantmaking practices to ensure fair and inclusive funding opportunities that sustain a vibrant, safe, and resilient creative ecosystem across the state.

Through regionally based Administering Organizations (AOs), the Individual Artists Fellowship (IAF) program uplifts and celebrates California artists across all disciplines and traditions, highlights their excellence and acknowledges their leadership in shaping traditional and contemporary cultures. The program includes three fellowship tiers with a different award amount:

CAC Emerging Artist Fellows – $5,000

Emerging artists are those in the beginning stages of making their work public and engaging the larger community in their practice.

CAC Established Artist Fellows – $10,000

Artists in the Established tier regularly make their work public and engage the larger community in their practice.

CAC Legacy Artist Fellows – $50,000

Artists in the Legacy tier can point to a significant body of work, produced over a substantial period of time, that has engaged their communities and that has made significant social impact.

The CAC approved eight regional AOs for the fellowship in September 2025. Each of the AOs has information and  details regarding their Individual Artists Fellowship programs, including application deadlines. If you are an individual artist, apply to the statewide fellowship program through the Regional AO listed below that serves your county. Please note: Individual artists must live in the region they are applying to and may submit an application to only one region.

  • Bay Area (Kala Art Institute) - Counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Sonoma
  • Central Valley & Sierra (Kern Dance Alliance) - Counties: Amador, Calaveras, Fresno, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Mono, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tulare, Tuolumne
  • Inland Empire & South Coast (ArtsOC) - Counties: Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange
  • Far South (Commission for Arts and Culture / Cultural Affairs) - Counties: Imperial, San Diego
  • Central Coast (Arts Council Santa Cruz County) - Counties: Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Ventura
  • Capital (Teatro Nagual) - Counties: Yolo, Solano, Sacramento, El Dorado, Alpine
  • Upstate (Nevada County Arts Council (NCArts)) - Counties: Del Norte, Siskiyou, Modoc, Humboldt, Trinity, Shasta, Lassen, Mendocino, Tehama, Butte, Plumas, Lake, Glenn, Sierra, Colusa, Sutter, Yuba, Nevada, Placer
  • South (Los Angeles Performance Practice) - County: Los Angeles

Region 2: Capital Administered by Teatro Nagual

The Capital Region Individual Artist Fellowship (IAF), administered by Teatro Nagual, in partnership with the California Arts Council, celebrate and support artists across disciplines who are shaping culture in the counties of Alpine, El Dorado, Sacramento, Solano and Yolo. This program provides unrestricted funding to individual artists at key moments in their careers, empowering them to deepen their practice, expand their impact, and continue contributing to their communities. 

Art & Culture Writing & Literature Performing Arts +4 more

Administering Organization – Individual Artists Fellowship (Upstate)

California Arts Council
State/Local Government
Butte County, California, Colusa County, California +17 more
US $5,000 - US $50,000

Background & Purpose

The California Arts Council (CAC) is a statewide agency committed to serving California artists, arts organizations, and communities of all sizes and needs. Guided by racial equity principles, the CAC continuously evaluates its grantmaking practices to ensure fair and inclusive funding opportunities that sustain a vibrant, safe, and resilient creative ecosystem across the state.

Through regionally based Administering Organizations (AOs), the Individual Artists Fellowship (IAF) program uplifts and celebrates California artists across all disciplines and traditions, highlights their excellence and acknowledges their leadership in shaping traditional and contemporary cultures. The program includes three fellowship tiers with a different award amount:

CAC Emerging Artist Fellows – $5,000

Emerging artists are those in the beginning stages of making their work public and engaging the larger community in their practice.

CAC Established Artist Fellows – $10,000

Artists in the Established tier regularly make their work public and engage the larger community in their practice.

CAC Legacy Artist Fellows – $50,000

Artists in the Legacy tier can point to a significant body of work, produced over a substantial period of time, that has engaged their communities and that has made significant social impact.

The CAC approved eight regional AOs for the fellowship in September 2025. Each of the AOs has information and  details regarding their Individual Artists Fellowship programs, including application deadlines. If you are an individual artist, apply to the statewide fellowship program through the Regional AO listed below that serves your county. Please note: Individual artists must live in the region they are applying to and may submit an application to only one region.

  • Bay Area (Kala Art Institute) - Counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Sonoma
  • Central Valley & Sierra (Kern Dance Alliance) - Counties: Amador, Calaveras, Fresno, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Mono, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tulare, Tuolumne
  • Inland Empire & South Coast (ArtsOC) - Counties: Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange
  • Far South (Commission for Arts and Culture / Cultural Affairs) - Counties: Imperial, San Diego
  • Central Coast (Arts Council Santa Cruz County) - Counties: Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Ventura
  • Capital (Teatro Nagual) - Counties: Yolo, Solano, Sacramento, El Dorado, Alpine
  • Upstate (Nevada County Arts Council (NCArts)) - Counties: Del Norte, Siskiyou, Modoc, Humboldt, Trinity, Shasta, Lassen, Mendocino, Tehama, Butte, Plumas, Lake, Glenn, Sierra, Colusa, Sutter, Yuba, Nevada, Placer
  • South (Los Angeles Performance Practice) - County: Los Angeles

Region 1: Upstate Administered by the Nevada County Arts Council (NCArts)

In partnership with California Arts Council, Nevada County Arts & Culture is honored to serve as the Administering Organization for the Upstate Individual Artists Fellowship. The California Arts Council (CAC) has selected Nevada County Arts & Culture to design and implement a fellowship program that supports individual artists and culture bearers across all disciplines. The Upstate Individual Artists Fellowship will provide unrestricted funding in support of the fellows’ artistic practice. 

Art & Culture Writing & Literature Performing Arts +4 more

Administering Organization – Individual Artists Fellowship (South - Los Angeles County)

California Arts Council
State/Local Government
Los Angeles County, California
US $5,000 - US $50,000

Background & Purpose

The California Arts Council (CAC) is a statewide agency committed to serving California artists, arts organizations, and communities of all sizes and needs. Guided by racial equity principles, the CAC continuously evaluates its grantmaking practices to ensure fair and inclusive funding opportunities that sustain a vibrant, safe, and resilient creative ecosystem across the state.

Through regionally based Administering Organizations (AOs), the Individual Artists Fellowship (IAF) program uplifts and celebrates California artists across all disciplines and traditions, highlights their excellence and acknowledges their leadership in shaping traditional and contemporary cultures. The program includes three fellowship tiers with a different award amount:

CAC Emerging Artist Fellows – $5,000

Emerging artists are those in the beginning stages of making their work public and engaging the larger community in their practice.

CAC Established Artist Fellows – $10,000

Artists in the Established tier regularly make their work public and engage the larger community in their practice.

CAC Legacy Artist Fellows – $50,000

Artists in the Legacy tier can point to a significant body of work, produced over a substantial period of time, that has engaged their communities and that has made significant social impact.

The CAC approved eight regional AOs for the fellowship in September 2025. Each of the AOs has information and  details regarding their Individual Artists Fellowship programs, including application deadlines. If you are an individual artist, apply to the statewide fellowship program through the Regional AO listed below that serves your county. Please note: Individual artists must live in the region they are applying to and may submit an application to only one region.

  • Bay Area (Kala Art Institute) - Counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Sonoma
  • Central Valley & Sierra (Kern Dance Alliance) - Counties: Amador, Calaveras, Fresno, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Mono, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tulare, Tuolumne
  • Inland Empire & South Coast (ArtsOC) - Counties: Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange
  • Far South (Commission for Arts and Culture / Cultural Affairs) - Counties: Imperial, San Diego
  • Central Coast (Arts Council Santa Cruz County) - Counties: Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Ventura
  • Capital (Teatro Nagual) - Counties: Yolo, Solano, Sacramento, El Dorado, Alpine
  • Upstate (Nevada County Arts Council (NCArts)) - Counties: Del Norte, Siskiyou, Modoc, Humboldt, Trinity, Shasta, Lassen, Mendocino, Tehama, Butte, Plumas, Lake, Glenn, Sierra, Colusa, Sutter, Yuba, Nevada, Placer
  • South (Los Angeles Performance Practice) - County: Los Angeles

Region 6: South Administered by Los Angeles Performance Practice (Los Angeles County)

In partnership with California Arts Council (CAC), Los Angeles Performance Practice (LAPP) is thrilled to serve as the Administering Organization for the Individual Artist Fellowships in Los Angeles County.

Art & Culture Writing & Literature Performing Arts +4 more

Projects, Events, or Festivals

DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities
State/Local Government
District of Columbia
Up to US $20,000

The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH) is an independent agency in the District of Columbia government. First established in 1968, it evaluates and initiates action on matters relating to the arts and humanities. Additionally, CAH encourages programs and the development of programs that promote progress in the arts and humanities. CAH is the designated state arts agency for the District of Columbia. It is supported primarily through District government funds. Additionally, it receives partial support from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Projects, Events, or Festivals

Projects, Events, or Festivals (PEF) furthers CAH’s mission by encouraging progress in the arts and humanities in the District of Columbia by supporting Individuals and non-profit arts, humanities, arts education, and service organizations who significantly contribute to the District of Columbia as a world-class cultural capital. This grant opportunity program goals:

  • Provide access to high-quality arts and humanities experiences for all District of Columbia residents.
  • Improve quality of life by supporting vibrant community projects within the arts and humanities.
  • Strengthen the creative economy through investments in local individuals and organizations.

PEF is open for projects of all sizes that show District impact and engage District residents and visitors.

CAH encourages community-based projects that share characteristics such as geographic location, common interests, or community impact. Arts and humanities projects may include but are not limited to: concerts; visual arts exhibitions; literary readings; or festivals that feature dance, folk art, film, music, theatre and other art forms. 

Humanities & Social Science Arts / Culture Access & Participation Performing Arts +6 more

America250 Grant for Hawaiʻi Veterans

Hawai'i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts
State/Local Government
Hawaii
US $25,000

Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts

The mission of the Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts (SFCA) is to promote, perpetuate, and preserve culture and the arts in Hawai‘i. SFCA funding is provided by the State of Hawai‘i and the National Endowment for the Arts.

America250 Grant for Hawaiʻi Veterans

In celebration of the United States of America’s bicentennial, America250, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) allocated funding to state arts agencies nationwide to support arts projects celebrating the nation’s artistic heritage and creativity.

The project must celebrate America 250 through arts-based projects or programs directly focused on Hawaiʻi veterans. All project activities must be implemented in the State of Hawaiʻi. Proposals can include activities that honor veterans or improve the health and well-being of military and veteran communities. Examples of possible projects are arts and healing programs, visual arts, StoryCorps, spoken word, film, exhibition, performance, historical/heritage interpretations, and living history projects.

Visual Arts Arts / Culture Access & Participation Military & Veterans Services +3 more

SFCA Community Arts Grant Program

Hawai'i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts
State/Local Government
Hawaii
US $5,000 - US $15,000

Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts

The mission of the Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts (SFCA) is to promote, perpetuate, and preserve culture and the arts in Hawai‘i. SFCA funding is provided by the State of Hawai‘i and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Community Arts Grant Program

The Community Arts Grants program (previously called Biennium Grants) supports eligible nonprofit 501(c)3 arts and culture organizations throughout the state. The grant awards funding to organizations supporting programs and projects that advance the arts, culture, and the humanities in the lives of the people of Hawaiʻi.

The legal provisions of the Community Arts Grants are in Sections 9-11 through 9-18 of the Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes. Each fiscal biennium grant budget is contingent on the State fiscal biennium and appropriations from the Hawaiʻi State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts. Grants awarded are subject to available funding for the fiscal year.

Grant Categories

Applicants may submit an application for a project to one of the following categories that align with the SFCA Strategic Priorities 2019-2023. Applicants can apply for one or both fiscal years, and the category and project can be the same or different for each year.

  • Heritage/Preservation: Heritage and Preservation (Culture) projects are well grounded in the history of Hawaii and the living cultures in Hawaii. Amplify Hawaiian cultural arts, history, and heritage and support communities to advance cultural knowledge, build cultural capacity, and preserve cultural legacies.
  • Community Arts, Community Development, Arts and Healing: Community Arts, Community Development, Arts & Healing (Engagement). Art-based community development projects that increase the creative capacity of rural communities and enhance opportunities to experience culture and the arts statewide and within rural communities and underserved populations.
  • Arts Education: Arts Education (Education) provides educational opportunities in any arts discipline for arts in the school environment, out-of-school learning, Early Childhood Development, adult life-long learning, and professional development.
  • Presenting & Performing Arts: Literacy Arts, Visual Arts, Media Arts, Performing Arts (The Arts). Projects support programs or activities of organizations that present artists in performances, exhibitions, in-residency settings, online format, and televised broadcasts. 

A Community Arts Grant can be requested in the amount of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. A 1:1 match is required. This is a reimbursement grant program.

Community Culture & Heritage Performing Arts Visual Arts +5 more

SFCA Outreach Initiative Program

Hawai'i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts
State/Local Government
Hawaii
Unspecified amount

Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts

The mission of the Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts (SFCA) is to promote, perpetuate, and preserve culture and the arts in Hawai‘i. SFCA funding is provided by the State of Hawai‘i and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Outreach Initiative Program

The State Foundation on Culture and the Arts (SFCA) provides public funds through the Outreach Initiative Program to support statewide touring and outreach activities that increase opportunities for individuals to experience different forms of artistic and cultural expression and engagement. The program supports the SFCA Strategic Priority Hoʻākoakoa (convene, to call together) to build community capacity for creativity, communication, and learning.

Program Scope

Administer a statewide touring program providing arts and culture outreach activities to under-served communities including, but not limited to, rural, socio-economic disadvantaged, geographically disadvantaged, programs for disadvantaged youth, programs for Native or immigrant populations, and activities involving individuals with varying abilities. The touring and outreach activities must be accessible. Activities must occur in person at public spaces, senior centers, public libraries, public housing communities, or a hybrid of online/streaming. The Outreach Initiative Program must provide activities to at least three (3) islands, including outreach to rural and/or under-served communities.

Community Culture & Heritage Performing Arts Media Arts +6 more

KAC | Arts Everywhere Grants: Visiting Artists

Kansas Department of Commerce
State/Local Government
Kansas
Up to US $10,000

Kansas Department of Commerce

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses.

Kansas Arts Commision (KAC)| Arts Everywhere

Enhancing student success, the economy and Kansas communities through the arts

The Arts Everywhere grant program provides funding for cultural projects, programs, exhibitions, series, arts education projects, and other arts programming. This program provides funding for educational institutions, arts organizations, and community service non-profits to use the arts to increase student success, foster creative thinking, develop critical job skills, enhance community development, and increase participation in the arts across Kansas. Projects must relate to an arts and culture discipline (music, dance, theatre, creative writing, literature, painting, sculpture, folk arts, photography, crafts, media arts, visual arts, programs of museums, and other such allied, major art forms).

Match Requirements: KAC requires that all grants are matched at a minimum of 1:1 through a combination of cash and in-kind expenses.

Arts Everywhere grants are awarded in four categories:

  • Arts in Education;
  • Organizational Development: a) Capacity Building; b) Salary Assistance
  • Specific Arts and Culture Projects; and
  • Visiting Artists

Visiting Artists

This program provides funding for eligible organizations to engage and deepen the impact of arts programming on local and underserved audiences through exposure to and interaction with professional visiting arts. Presenters may book artists in any discipline, not just in performing arts.

Art & Culture Arts / Culture Access & Participation Art Festivals +6 more

Kansas Arts Commission (KAC) General Operating (GOS) Support Grant

Kansas Department of Commerce
State/Local Government
Kansas
US $1,000 - US $25,000

Kansas Department of Commerce

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses.

General Operating (GOS) Support Grant Program

Strengthening the state’s cultural infrastructure

The General Operating Support (GOS) grant program provides funding for Kansas public and private non-profit arts and cultural organizations, including museums, local arts councils and commissions, statewide arts and cultural service organizations, and organizations that have cultural program activities in any of the art and cultural disciplines (music, dance, theatre, creative writing, literature, painting, sculpture, folk arts, photography, crafts, media arts, visual arts, programs of museums, and other such allied, major art forms). The organization’s mission must directly support arts and cultural programming.

Match Requirements: KAC requires that all grants are matched at a minimum of 1:1 through a combination of cash and in-kind expenses.

Art & Culture Writing & Literature Performing Arts +11 more

Harkness Foundation for Dance- Project Grants

Harkness Foundation for Dance
Private
New York
US $1,000 - US $10,000

Harkness Foundation for Dance

The Harkness Foundation for Dance is a private grant-making foundation dedicated to invigorating and supporting the dance art form, predominantly in New York City. Since its inception the Foundation has contributed significantly to the dance field, extending grants to over 660 organizations and fiscally-sponsored artists. The Harkness Board of Trustees meets three times annually to consider proposals. The Foundation stands in solidarity with social and racial justice work in the dance field, and we are committed to ongoing evaluation of equitable practices in our grantmaking.

There are four major areas of support:

  • Dance creation
  • Dance presentation
  • Dance education
  • Dance medicine/other services to the dance field

Project Grants

Project grants provide targeted support for specific projects. Pilot projects and collaborative projects involving multiple organizations may also be considered.

Performing Arts Dance

Project Support Grants: Partnerships

Arts Fairfax
Private
Fairfax City, Virginia, Fairfax County, Virginia +1 more
US $1,000 - US $25,000

ArtsFairfax 

ArtsFairfax is the 501(c)(3) designated as Fairfax County’s local arts agency funded in part by Fairfax County, Virginia Commission for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as corporations, foundations, and individuals. ArtsFairfax invests in and amplifies the arts for all in Fairfax County.

Project Support Grants

ArtsFairfax Project Support Grants serve arts organizations with funding to support projects that engage Fairfax County residents. Project Support Grants are awarded in four grant subcategories, including Arts in Education, Opportunity, Partnerships, and Arts Access.

Grant Program Objective

The ArtsFairfax Project Support Grant seeks to:

  • Provide financial and other means of support to both established and emerging arts organizations.
  • Promote opportunities for arts organizations of all disciplines to create, present, and celebrate their artistic endeavors.
  • Be a catalyst for increased private sector support for arts organizations through leveraged public funding.
  • Encourage wide participation in the arts through diverse cultural programming available to all residents of Fairfax County.
  • Support activities that would not normally be part of your organization’s usual activities.

Examples of Eligible Activities

  • If your organization provides afterschool arts instruction, then this funding could support the design and implementation of a new class offering that has not been offered before.
  • If your organization occasionally hosts a guest artist, then funding could support bringing an artist who might normally be financially out of reach.
  • This funding is not intended to support ongoing activities that your organization does on a regular basis as part of your mission.

Grant Subcategories

There are four grant subcategories within the Project Support Grant Program. An organization can submit one grant application in a single subcategory. The four subcategories are: Arts in Education; Opportunity; Partnerships; and Arts Access

Partnerships with Individual Artists, Artist Teams/Cooperatives, and/or non-501(c)(3) Arts Groups

Partnerships enable a nonprofit arts organization to collaborate with an artist, artist teams/cooperatives, and/or non-501(c)(3) arts groups. The nonprofit arts organization must serve as the applicant. Project Support Grants can support the production of public art, performances, exhibitions, workshops, commissions, arts in education projects, and culturally unique projects that directly benefit artistic development and recognition.

Art & Culture Arts / Culture Access & Participation Public / Community Art +4 more

Project Support Grants: Arts Access

Arts Fairfax
Private
Fairfax City, Virginia, Fairfax County, Virginia +1 more
US $1,000 - US $25,000

ArtsFairfax 

ArtsFairfax is the 501(c)(3) designated as Fairfax County’s local arts agency funded in part by Fairfax County, Virginia Commission for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as corporations, foundations, and individuals. ArtsFairfax invests in and amplifies the arts for all in Fairfax County.

Project Support Grants

ArtsFairfax Project Support Grants serve arts organizations with funding to support projects that engage Fairfax County residents. Project Support Grants are awarded in four grant subcategories, including Arts in Education, Opportunity, Partnerships, and Arts Access.

Grant Program Objective

The ArtsFairfax Project Support Grant seeks to:

  • Provide financial and other means of support to both established and emerging arts organizations.
  • Promote opportunities for arts organizations of all disciplines to create, present, and celebrate their artistic endeavors.
  • Be a catalyst for increased private sector support for arts organizations through leveraged public funding.
  • Encourage wide participation in the arts through diverse cultural programming available to all residents of Fairfax County.
  • Support activities that would not normally be part of your organization’s usual activities.

Examples of Eligible Activities

  • If your organization provides afterschool arts instruction, then this funding could support the design and implementation of a new class offering that has not been offered before.
  • If your organization occasionally hosts a guest artist, then funding could support bringing an artist who might normally be financially out of reach.
  • This funding is not intended to support ongoing activities that your organization does on a regular basis as part of your mission.

Grant Subcategories

There are four grant subcategories within the Project Support Grant Program. An organization can submit one grant application in a single subcategory. The four subcategories are: Arts in Education; Opportunity; Partnerships; and Arts Access

Arts Access

Arts Access projects strengthen arts engagement by allocating resources to underserved and economically disadvantaged communities and districts. These projects provide arts programming and reduce the costs of or distance to high-quality arts experiences (theater productions, concerts, presentations, exhibitions, learning, workshops, etc.) in communities where limited arts access has been documented. Arts and cultural organizations located in these communities as well as organizations from throughout Fairfax County and the Cities of Fairfax and Falls Church may apply.

Performing Arts Art Education Arts / Culture Access & Participation

TAC Arts for All Grant

Tennessee Arts Commission
State/Local Government
Tennessee
Up to US $18,000

Arts for All

Support for arts projects that focus on increasing participation in the arts for all Tennesseans.

Engaging in the arts can serve as a powerful tool to improve many aspects of a person’s life including health and well-being, social connectedness, positive aging, increased learning and self-improvement, to name a few. Research shows that the benefits of participating in the arts goes beyond aesthetic enjoyment and is a valid, sustainable way of improving a person’s life.

Many people cannot participate or have limited access to the arts for several reasons. Their opportunity to experience or participate in the arts has been limited due to some type of barrier. Receiving the full benefits of the arts should be available to everyone regardless of economic condition, geographic location, or societal factors, just to name a few.

This grants category encourages applicants to use innovative ways to engage people with limited exposure to the arts in arts programming while reducing those barriers. Applicants in this category must fully explain the population they intend to reach, the limitations that are faced within this population of accessing the arts, and how their proposed arts program intervention will overcome these barriers.

Due to compliance with federal and state laws/policies, proposed programs in this category must be broadly open to the public, not give preferential treatment to any population, nor exclude any individuals from participating. Populations proposed to be reached must also be in compliance with federal and state nondiscriminatory policies and laws.

Application Guidelines

Proposed arts projects must involve one or more of these recognized art forms: visual, craft, media, design, music, theater, dance, folk or literary arts.

Arts / Culture Access & Participation Writing & Literature Performing Arts +4 more

CityArts General Operating Grants

Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events
State/Local Government
Cook County, Illinois
Up to US $50,000

2026 CityArts Program Overview

The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. The CityArts Program aims to support a diverse group of arts and culture nonprofits reflective of the city of Chicago and its cultural landscape through flexible and strategic grant funding. Chicago arts and culture nonprofits of all sizes and artistic disciplines can apply for CityArts grants.

In 2026, the CityArts Program will offer two types of grants:

  • General Operating Grants for Arts & Culture Organizations
  • Project Grants for Arts & Culture Organizations

There will be separate applications and review processes for each type.

Eligible organizations may apply for both a general operating grant AND a project grant in 2026. Some past grantees that cannot apply for general operating support in 2026 may be eligible to apply for project funding if otherwise eligible. Refer to Eligibility Criteria below and in CityArts guidelines for more details.

General Operating:

Flexible support for Chicago-based arts and culture nonprofits of all sizes. General operating support funds may be used for artistic, administrative and/or program activities including expenses such as salaries, marketing, insurance, supplies, professional services, fees and training.

Community Culture & Heritage Performing Arts Historical Records & Archives +9 more

Kari Hamaker Performing Arts Scholarship

Marshall Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Kari Hamaker Performing Arts Scholarship

A scholarship awarded to a student in Marshall, Olivet or the surrounding area, during school or upon graduation, seeking a degree in Performing Arts or for additional enrichment opportunities in performing arts. Applicants must demonstrate financial need. GPA is not a qualifying factor; however, transcripts and test scores are required. Students who receive this scholarship are encouraged to apply for further support in subsequent years.

Education - Higher Education Performing Arts Career / College Preparation

Joe Williams Music Scholarship Program

United Negro College Fund Inc
Private
Bamberg County, South Carolina, Davidson County, Tennessee +30 more
Up to US $6,000

Joe Williams Music Scholarship Program

The Joe Williams Music Scholarship Program was created to help provide funding to students who desire to major in the study of music.

Individual Award

  • Up to $6,000

This scholarship will be disbursed for the current 2025-2026 school year. 

Education - Higher Education Performing Arts Visual Arts

Artists in Residence – Laila Twigg-Smith Art Fund

Hawai'i Community Foundation
Private
Hawaii
Up to US $20,000

Hawai‘i Community Foundation

Hawai‘i Community Foundation invests charitable funds in communities across the State primarily through nonprofit organizations. Our core programs are designed to support a stronger nonprofit sector as we believe that these organizations are one cornerstone of a vibrant civic society.

We administer a number of grantmaking programs with targeted purposes or an island-based focus. Hawai‘i Community Foundation also assists several private foundations in delivering their grantmaking programs according to their specific strategies.

Artists in Residence – Laila Twigg-Smith Art Fund

Artists in Residence

HCF is currently accepting applications for the Artists in Residence 2026 grant program. Hawaiʻi nonprofit organizations/programs can apply to host artists in residence for a defined period. During the residency, the artists in residence focus on developing their own artistic practice while engaging with Hawaiʻi-based artists and the broader community through dynamic, meaningful interactions that have the potential for long term impact. Artist(s) in residence should be widely recognized, outstanding artists, including visual artists, writers, musicians, dancers, and other performing artists. Artists may be based in the continental United States, foreign countries, or Hawaiʻi. For Hawai’i-based artists, the residency must support new relationships with a host organization/program and new forms of community engagement; ongoing or existing collaborations are not eligible.

Laila Twigg-Smith Art Fund

The Laila Twigg-Smith Art Fund (LAF) was created to carry her ambition forward, for the benefit of the arts and artists of Hawaiʻi and beyond. It aims to nurture and promote Hawaiʻi as a global center for the exchange of contemporary arts and artists. LAF is intended to support projects and initiatives that afford artists opportunities to immerse themselves in new environments, to absorb different influences, and to realize fresh visions.

LAF has an advisory committee of volunteer community members with expertise in the arts who provide recommendations on the fund’s strategy and recommend grant funding.

Performing Arts Visual Arts Artist Training & Development +4 more

Furer-Barag-Wolf Post 126 Jewish War Veterans Scholarship Award

Jewish Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Furer-Barag-Wolf Post 126 Jewish War Veterans Scholarship Award supports children or grandchildren of JWV Post 126 members, providing merit-based assistance for college or vocational education. Eligible applicants must reside in specific counties in New Jersey or be related to a JWV member. The scholarship covers tuition, books, and living expenses and is open for reapplication annually. This initiative by the Jewish Community Foundation fosters educational opportunities for deserving students.
Education - Higher Education Military & Veterans Services Academic Scholarship Programs +6 more

Allied Arts Fund

Renton Regional Community Foundation
Private
United States
US $500 - US $1,000

Allied Arts Fund

These awards help talented young students further their training in their artistic field. Students must live within the boundaries of the Greater Renton Area or have a Renton address and are between the ages of 12-19. The categories under which a student may apply are all areas of visual or performing arts. Awards may be used for tuition, school fees or academic expenses such as music, lessons, books, painting supplies, etc.

Awards

  • $500 - $1000
Performing Arts Visual Arts Education - Higher Education

Tom And Dot Hand Scholarship

Northern Piedmont Community Foundation
Private
Virginia
US $1,000

 About NPCF

The Northern Piedmont Community Foundation (NPCF) began in December 2000 when nine concerned citizens from Virginia’s Piedmont region were searching for solutions to the charitable needs in Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, and Rappahannock counties. With modest beginnings, our funds have grown to over $39 million in support of local charities, scholarships and community need in our northern Piedmont region.

NPCF manages a wide variety of funds established by local individuals, families, businesses, or charitable institutions. Through our investment strategies, the returns from these funds are put back into the community through grant cycles, and scholarships, along with the personal causes the fund holder holds dear. 

On the nonprofit side, the staff at NPCF is committed to building deep bonds with our region’s nonprofits, educating and supporting them in their health as businesses and their resilience in their missions of supporting our most vulnerable. 

We believe that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. By working on both sides of the equation — growing our citizens’ resources while maximizing local nonprofits’ use of those resources — NPCF is ensuring that each link in the chain is healthy, strong, and contributing to the wellness of the Northern Piedmont community. 

Scholarships

Northern Piedmont Community Foundation manages the scholarship application process for dozens of scholarships for students in Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, and Rappahannock counties (as well as a handful serving students from surrounding counties too). 

Tom And Dot Hand Scholarship (Universal Application)

This scholarship award was established to assist Culpeper and Eastern View High School students pursuing further education for Visual or Performing Arts at a public college in Virginia. One $1,000 scholarship may awarded. Applicants should demonstrate good community standing and possess a record that displays initiative and commitment to their chosen field of study.

Education - Higher Education Performing Arts Visual Arts +1 more

The NAACP X Society Awards Scholarship

National Association For The Advancement Of Colored People
Private
United States
US $1,000 - US $5,000

The NAACP X Society Awards Scholarship

The NAACP x Society Awards Scholarship is one of many funding opportunities available to students through NAACP's Inspire Initiatives. We offer scholarships to outstanding and qualified students pursuing undergraduate degrees. Through the generosity of our donors, we advance efforts to ensure equity in educational opportunity that prepares students for success in school, work, and life.

Scholarship amount: $1,000 to $5,000

This is a non-renewable scholarship opportunity.

Performing Arts Theater Dance +9 more

Madison Chautauqua Scholarship for the Arts in Memory of Bob Fourhman

Community Foundation of Madison and Jefferson County
Private
United States
US $1,800

In 2025, the Community Foundation of Madison & Jefferson County awarded over $233,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors of the county’s public and private high schools. Nearly 50 different students earned money toward their college costs. Scholarships are available for a variety of applicants. Some are specific to schools, majors, need, or interests.

CFMJC scholarships may be used for tuition and related expenses like fees and required equipment at accredited colleges and universities. Room and board are not covered.

Madison Chautauqua Scholarship for the Arts in Memory of Bob Fourhman

Criteria evaluated:

  • Letter of recommendation and artwork samples

Required materials:

  • Letter of recommendation from a person knowledgeable about your talent and accomplishments in your art form; and
  • An uploaded sample of your work (maximum 3 photos or 1 short video/audio clip)

Scholarship amount:

  • $1,200 | 1 scholarship
Education - Higher Education Adult Education Career / College Preparation +3 more

Leonard G. McLeod Theatre Scholarship

Cumberland Community Foundation, Inc.
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Cumberland Community Foundation ("CCF") manages more than 60 scholarship endowment funds created by local individuals, families, civic organizations, and corporations who want to provide a path to higher education for future generations. 

Each year, Cumberland Community Foundation announces more than $1,000,000 in college scholarships to students from southeastern North Carolina.

Leonard G. McLeod Theatre Scholarship

Receiving a diploma from any high school in Cumberland County.

Education - Higher Education Performing Arts Theater +1 more

Brian Liechty Theater Production Scholarship

Marshall County Community Foundation Inc
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Connecting Passion to Purpose

Marshall County Community Foundation is a public charity where local roots help great ideas take flight. We are community-minded partners and trusted investors. We help shape the vision for Marshall County. Our passion is to connect caring people with opportunities to make an impact.

Our mission is to serve all of Marshall county — its people and its future — by growing and managing endowment funding and fostering philanthropy.

Investing in the Scholars of 
Marshall County

Marshall County Community Foundation administers a number of scholarships, from traditional awards for graduating seniors to those geared towards current students, professionals, and other special circumstances.

Each scholarship has its own application guidelines, deadlines, and application process, so please be sure to read the instructions of the scholarship you’re applying for carefully.

All Marshall County Scholarships

We administer a number of scholarships, which range from the traditional academic and athletic awards to corporate and special circumstances offerings. These scholarships are open to all residents of Marshall County, as long as other requirements are met.

Applying for a scholarship is free, so we invite you to spend some time finding opportunities for which you are a good fit. You can learn more about each scholarship by clicking on each of the below scholarship titles.

This scholarship will be awarded annually to one or more graduating seniors in Marshall County or St. Joseph County who are planning to pursue a course of study in the production of performing arts.

Education - Higher Education Performing Arts Art Education

Pat MacKay Diversity In Design Scholarships

United Institute for Theatre Technology Inc.
Private
United States
Up to US $5,000

United Institute for Theatre Technology

The United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) connects performing arts design and technology communities to ensure a vibrant dialog among practitioners, educators, and students.

Driven by our core values of inclusion, excellence, and responsibility, we provide mentorship programs, exhibit opportunities, grant funding, awards, and other opportunities for our members and for the entertainment industry. 

Pat MacKay Diversity In Design Scholarships

Founded in 2019, and funded by LDI and Live Design, the goal of the Diversity In Design scholarships is to support underrepresented and unique voices in the field of entertainment design. The scholarships are named for Pat MacKay, former publisher of Theatre Crafts and Lighting Dimensions magazines and founder of the LDI Trade Show and Conference. MacKay is a USITT Fellow and has served as a mentor for multiple generations of industry professionals.

The Pat MacKay Diversity in Design scholarships are awarded to students currently enrolled in lighting, video/digital media, and sound design programs on an undergraduate level, as well as high school seniors who have been accepted to an undergraduate college, university, or community college design program.

Each student selected for one of the Pat MacKay Scholarships will receive up to $5,000, spread out over a maximum of eight semesters, or $1,250 per year, paid by semester directly to the school. In order for the students to get the next year’s payment, they must show progress toward their degree, show at least a 2.5 GPA, and provide a letter of support from their mentor with an update on how they are progressing as designers.

Performing Arts Design Education - Higher Education

Elisa B. Hughey Scholarship for the Arts

Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation
Private
United States
US $500 - US $1,000

Elisa B. Hughey Scholarship for the Arts

Scholarships will be awarded annually from this fund for college-bound students from any Cattaraugus County High School committed to advancing their skills in any aspect of the arts. Preference will be for graduating seniors of Ellicottville, Cattaraugus-Little Valley, West Valley, Salamanca or Franklinville/Ten-Broeck Academy high schools. First preference will be for students pursuing the fine arts, with second preference for students pursuing performing arts fields. This award is not limited to students majoring in art.

Education - Higher Education Performing Arts Fine Art +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.

Last updated: November 2, 2026. Next update: December 6, 2026.

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.