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Explore theater grants supporting productions, youth programs, education, and cultural preservation.
269
Available grants
$3.1M
Total funding
$5.1K
Median grant
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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.
Eugene "Babe" Fabrizi Fund to Educate Music Students
The Eugene “Babe” Fabrizi Fund to Educate Music Students of The Pittsburgh Foundation was created to support young or adult musicians.
Award Type: Single Year. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply in consecutive years.
The Columbus Foundation
In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.
Our Mission
To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.
Craig Memorial Scholarship Fund
This scholarship fund was established by the family of John E. Craig, Jr. and Larry William Craig. Both John and Larry were extremely gifted musicians. John was a noted musician in the central Ohio community, studying at the Berklee College of Music in Boston at the time of his death. A well-known musician and businessman, Larry excelled at playing the piano and worked with his father in Craig & Sons Wrecking Company. This scholarship fund will provide support to students who are pursuing careers in musical arts, theatre or drama.
Missouri Arts Council
The Missouri Arts Council supports the arts that strengthen the cultural, educational, and economic vitality of our state.
Established as a state agency in 1965, the Missouri Arts Council is a division of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. The Council is funded through the Missouri General Assembly, Missouri Cultural Trust, and National Endowment for the Arts.
The Missouri Arts Council is the state agency dedicated—as public leader, partner, and catalyst—to broadening the growth, availability, and appreciation of the arts in Missouri and fostering the diversity, vitality, and excellence of Missouri’s communities, economy, and cultural heritage. The grants we award make possible quality arts programming to communities both large and small throughout the state. We provide grants to arts projects that meet our strategic goals:
In addition to funding, we provide technical assistance in community development, fundraising, marketing, grant writing, arts education, artistic disciplines (visual arts, music, literature, theater, dance, festivals, and film/media) and more.
Annual Grants
Annual Grants are designed for experienced Missouri Arts Council applicants with large budget arts projects. The annual application is extensive and more demanding with a rigid deadline schedule, a more competitive review process, and a longer turnaround. While the request amount is higher, organizations receive a smaller percentage of their request based on our funding.
Annual Grants: Organizations of Color
Organizations must meet the following criteria:
LRPenn.com is home to the novels, plays, and screenplays of LR Penn. His books specializes in Thrillers, Dramatic Comedies, and Film Noir. Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, grants may be available to nonprofit theater companies in the United States with 501(c)(3) status that are staging productions of plays written by LR Penn.
Building a global community of creative problem solvers, effective collaborators, and empathetic individuals through theatre
Our Mission and Goals
The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF) is the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA).
ETF advances the field of educational theatre by broadening representation and increasing access for all. ETF’s programs aim to support students, educators and the field at large by realizing three strategic goals:
Educator & Program Grants
Giving school theatre programs a boost
The Thespian Growth & Excellence Fund is committed to supporting the ongoing development of theatre programs and the pursuit of excellence for educators, students, schools, and communities by offering a number of grants that assist in EdTA membership, teacher support, and programmatic resources for theatre in schools.
By the end of 2024, the Thespian Growth and Excellence Fund has awarded 349 grants to 276 schools, totaling $286,167 in assistance provided to school theatre programs, many at schools with Title 1 designations.
Equipment Upgrade (up to $5,000)
Can be awarded to help school theatre programs with large technical purchases that upgrade the resources available for theatrical use, such as lighting and sound equipment.
Building a global community of creative problem solvers, effective collaborators, and empathetic individuals through theatre
Our Mission and Goals
The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF) is the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA).
ETF advances the field of educational theatre by broadening representation and increasing access for all. ETF’s programs aim to support students, educators and the field at large by realizing three strategic goals:
Educator & Program Grants
Giving school theatre programs a boost
The Thespian Growth & Excellence Fund is committed to supporting the ongoing development of theatre programs and the pursuit of excellence for educators, students, schools, and communities by offering a number of grants that assist in EdTA membership, teacher support, and programmatic resources for theatre in schools.
By the end of 2024, the Thespian Growth and Excellence Fund has awarded 349 grants to 276 schools, totaling $286,167 in assistance provided to school theatre programs, many at schools with Title 1 designations.
Educator Support ($500)
Can be used for professional development for theatre educators that would benefit their students, including coursework, EdTA’s Theatre Education Conference registration fees, and related travel expenses.
Building a global community of creative problem solvers, effective collaborators, and empathetic individuals through theatre
Our Mission and Goals
The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF) is the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA).
ETF advances the field of educational theatre by broadening representation and increasing access for all. ETF’s programs aim to support students, educators and the field at large by realizing three strategic goals:
Grants for Educators & Theatre Programs
A core piece of the Educational Theatre Foundation’s work is supporting theatre educators and theatre programs directly. We do this through a series of production and educator grants available to both members of EdTA as well as non-members.
EdTA Membership Grant
Theatre matters.
It belongs in our classrooms and communities – now more than ever. Yet the role of the theatre educator has become increasingly complex, and financial support is often uncertain or even eliminated.
To help meet this moment, the Educational Theatre Foundation is proud to introduce the EdTA Membership Grant.
Building a global community of creative problem solvers, effective collaborators, and empathetic individuals through theatre
Our Mission and Goals
The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF) is the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA).
ETF advances the field of educational theatre by broadening representation and increasing access for all. ETF’s programs aim to support students, educators and the field at large by realizing three strategic goals:
Grants for Educators & Theatre Programs
A core piece of the Educational Theatre Foundation’s work is supporting theatre educators and theatre programs directly. We do this through a series of production and educator grants available to both members of EdTA as well as non-members.
For EdTA Members
Production Grants are offered in collaboration with the rights holders for specific plays and musicals or for initiative-based productions that build community.
Production Grants
Show-specific financial assistance for educational theatre programs
Ain't Too Proud Grant
ETF, in partnership with Music Theatre International, is offering three no-cost licenses for Ain’t Too Proud for 2027. This electrifying jukebox musical follows the rise of The Temptations from Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, featuring beloved hits like “My Girl” and “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone,” with a Tony-nominated book by Dominique Morisseau. It’s an exciting opportunity for high school theatre programs seeking a dynamic production with strong vocals, choreography, and storytelling.
Building a global community of creative problem solvers, effective collaborators, and empathetic individuals through theatre
Our Mission and Goals
The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF) is the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA).
ETF advances the field of educational theatre by broadening representation and increasing access for all. ETF’s programs aim to support students, educators and the field at large by realizing three strategic goals:
Grants for Educators & Theatre Programs
A core piece of the Educational Theatre Foundation’s work is supporting theatre educators and theatre programs directly. We do this through a series of production and educator grants available to both members of EdTA as well as non-members.
For EdTA Members
Production Grants are offered in collaboration with the rights holders for specific plays and musicals or for initiative-based productions that build community.
Production Grants
Show-specific financial assistance for educational theatre programs
Fiddler on the Roof Grant
The Fiddler on the Roof Grant covers performance royalties and support resources for middle or high school Thespian troupes to perform Fiddler on the Roof or Fiddler on the Roof JR. through Music Theatre International. Funders Helene and Edward Cole created the grant to help educate students and communities about Jewish heritage and culture.
Building a global community of creative problem solvers, effective collaborators, and empathetic individuals through theatre
Our Mission and Goals
The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF) is the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA).
ETF advances the field of educational theatre by broadening representation and increasing access for all. ETF’s programs aim to support students, educators and the field at large by realizing three strategic goals:
Grants for Educators & Theatre Programs
A core piece of the Educational Theatre Foundation’s work is supporting theatre educators and theatre programs directly. We do this through a series of production and educator grants available to both members of EdTA as well as non-members.
For EdTA Members
Production Grants are offered in collaboration with the rights holders for specific plays and musicals or for initiative-based productions that build community.
Production Grants
Show-specific financial assistance for educational theatre programs
Austen's Pride: A New Musical of Pride and Prejudice Grant
The Authors of Austen’s Pride: A New Musical of Pride & Prejudice are thrilled to announce a collaboration with ETF to grant five (5) high schools free performance rights and materials to produce this beautiful new musical during the 2026-27 school year. Access a free digital perusal of the script.
Building a global community of creative problem solvers, effective collaborators, and empathetic individuals through theatre
Our Mission and Goals
The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF) is the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA).
ETF advances the field of educational theatre by broadening representation and increasing access for all. ETF’s programs aim to support students, educators and the field at large by realizing three strategic goals:
Grants for Educators & Theatre Programs
A core piece of the Educational Theatre Foundation’s work is supporting theatre educators and theatre programs directly. We do this through a series of production and educator grants available to both members of EdTA as well as non-members.
For EdTA Members
Production Grants are offered in collaboration with the rights holders for specific plays and musicals or for initiative-based productions that build community.
Production Grants
Show-specific financial assistance for educational theatre programs
Disney on Broadway: School of Excellence Grant
In collaboration with the Educational Theatre Foundation and Music Theatre International, Disney Theatrical Group will award complimentary licenses of select Disney musicals to middle and high schools throughout the United States to be performed each school year.
This nationwide program celebrates schools that display both outstanding artistic achievement and student-led engagement in theatrical disciplines such as stagecraft, theatrical design, choreography, direction, or performance. Together, these schools will honor the timeless magic of Disney musicals on stage and represent the future of theatrical storytelling for the next generation.
Building a global community of creative problem solvers, effective collaborators, and empathetic individuals through theatre
Our Mission and Goals
The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF) is the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA).
ETF advances the field of educational theatre by broadening representation and increasing access for all. ETF’s programs aim to support students, educators and the field at large by realizing three strategic goals:
Grants for Educators & Theatre Programs
A core piece of the Educational Theatre Foundation’s work is supporting theatre educators and theatre programs directly. We do this through a series of production and educator grants available to both members of EdTA as well as non-members.
For EdTA Members
Production Grants are offered in collaboration with the rights holders for specific plays and musicals or for initiative-based productions that build community.
Production Grants
Show-specific financial assistance for educational theatre programs
Music Theatre International: Heart of Rock and Roll "The Power of Love" Grant
Heart of Rock and Roll features a book by Jonathan Abrams and music and lyrics by Huey Lewis and his pop-rock band, Huey Lewis and the News, with new orchestrations of their music by Brian Usifer.
Selected schools will host intergenerational community events or outreach programs of their own design — because just as Huey Lewis’s music has always brought people together, school theatre has the power to do the same.
Building a global community of creative problem solvers, effective collaborators, and empathetic individuals through theatre
Our Mission and Goals
The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF) is the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA).
ETF advances the field of educational theatre by broadening representation and increasing access for all. ETF’s programs aim to support students, educators and the field at large by realizing three strategic goals:
Grants for Educators & Theatre Programs
A core piece of the Educational Theatre Foundation’s work is supporting theatre educators and theatre programs directly. We do this through a series of production and educator grants available to both members of EdTA as well as non-members.
For EdTA Members
Production Grants are offered in collaboration with the rights holders for specific plays and musicals or for initiative-based productions that build community.
Production Grants
Show-specific financial assistance for educational theatre programs
The Wilder Estate: The Long Christmas Dinner Festival Grant
In 1931, Thornton Wilder wrote The Long Christmas Dinner, a moving, funny, and ingeniously theatrical one-act play created specifically for student theater groups. In just 40 minutes, a single holiday meal becomes a 90-year journey through four generations of a family, exploring time, tradition, family, and the stories we tell about our lives.
In 2026, the Wilder Estate is launching The Long Christmas Dinner Festival, a national holiday celebration bringing schools, cultural organizations, and audiences together around this remarkable play.
Wallingford Education Foundation
Our Mission
The Wallingford Education Foundation is a non-profit, community-based partnership supporting educational innovation and excellence in our town.
Our Vision
The Wallingford Education Foundation empowers ideas and enhances educational experiences for students, educators and community members. It provides financial support outside the education budget that is aligned with the goals and focus areas of the school district’s strategic plan.
Distinguished Alumni Award
The Wallingford Education Foundation (WEF) established the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2004 to honor and showcase individuals whose deeds and character exemplify outstanding accomplishments, leadership, and/or service to their community. This award is presented annually and alumni need not have graduated from a Wallingford high school in order to be considered.
Members of the community are invited to nominate candidates for this award by completing the nomination form.
All submitted nominations are reviewed with the final selection of award recipients made by the Distinguished Alumni Committee and endorsed by the WEF Board of Directors. Only those individuals selected for the award are notified of their nomination. Nomination forms of individuals not selected will be kept on file for three (3) years for future consideration. Award recipients are honored at the Distinguished Alumni Dinner held each spring.
Marshfield Area Community Foundation Scholarships
The mission of the Marshfield Area Community Foundation is “Connecting people who care with causes that matter to enrich the quality of life in the Marshfield area”. Education is a valuable tool and a cause that matters to all of us. Through assisting students with financial support to receive an education, not only do students and the families of those students benefit, but also our community benefits, which further allows us to achieve our mission of enriching the quality of life in the Marshfield area.
Geographical Area
The official geographic service area of Marshfield Area Community Foundation, Inc., beginning to our west and traveling clockwise, includes the following communities in addition to Marshfield (It also includes towns and rural areas between these communities.): Chili, Granton, Neillsville, Loyal, Greenwood, Withee, Owen, Spencer, Unity, Colby, Curtiss, Pittsville, Abbotsford, Dorchester, Stetsonville, Medford, Stratford, Rozellville, Hewitt, Auburndale, Blenker, Milladore, Sherry, Arpin.
James Brasington Theater Scholarship
This scholarship is for a student wo is attending school full-time pursuing an undergraduate degree intending to study theater arts. Preference to a student who shows interest in and affinity for the art of acting and shows financial need. This scholarship can be renewed 3 additional years.
Community Foundation of Mendocino County
The Community Foundation of Mendocino County is a county-wide nonprofit organization that administers permanent charitable funds established through gifts and bequests from individuals, families, businesses, and other organizations.
Scholarships
The Community Foundation of Mendocino County Scholarship program provides scholarship opportunities for local students to help pursue their educational goals and achieve their higher education dreams.
The Community Foundation of Mendocino County provides scholarships for all seven regions of the county, as well as for specific academic and professional goals.
Kressa Jean Shepherd Memorial Scholarship Fund
Created by Sara and John Shepherd in memory of their daughter, Kressa, to support students with a passion for the arts (visual art, design, music, theater, and dance) who may or may not choose to study art at the college level.
Grants for theater provide funding for performances, educational programs, and community outreach. The following grants empower theaters to promote cultural expression, foster artistic talent, and engage diverse audiences.
Explore 61 funding opportunities for theater programs, with $1.2M in resources. Instrumentl helps theaters and nonprofits secure performance funding with deadline reminders, customized search filters, and insights to bring productions to life.
How common are grants in this category?
Uncommon — grants in this category are less prevalent than in others.
Over the past year, when are grant deadlines typically due for grants for Theater?
Most grants are due in the first quarter.
What's the typical grant amount funded for Grants for Theater?
Grants are most commonly $10,500.
Grants for theatres provide funding for performances, educational programs, and community outreach. Nonprofit theatre companies, performing arts organizations, community theatre groups, and educational institutions focused on theatre arts can apply for these grants. Funders prioritize projects that expand access to theatre, support emerging playwrights, and foster artistic expression.
Grants for theatres typically have the highest concentration of deadlines in Q1, with 33.1% 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.
These grants empower theatres to promote cultural expression, foster artistic talent, and engage diverse audiences. The funding from these grants supports theatre productions, arts education, community outreach, and professional development for actors, directors, and playwrights. Funders aim to promote diverse storytelling and sustain performing arts institutions.
Funding for theatre grants varies widely, with award amounts ranging from a minimum of $625 to a maximum of $250,000. Based on Instrumentl’s data, the median grant amount for this category is $10,500, while the average grant awarded is $25,258. Understanding these funding trends can help nonprofits set realistic expectations when applying.
Private and state/local government agencies contribute to the $1.7M of funding available for theatre grants. Funding organizations include the Gates Family Foundation, the Children’s Theatre Foundation of America (CTFA), the DC Commission on Arts & Humanities, and the State Historial Society of North Dakota.
To improve their success rate, theatre organizations should consider the following in their application:
Struggling to manage multiple grants? Learn how to stay organized with our comprehensive grant tracking spreadsheet guide.
Instrumentl helps theatre organizations streamline grant research by curating best-fit funding opportunities, tracking deadlines, and offering funder insights.
Streamline your grant management process with our workflow automation tools.