Explore theater grants supporting productions, youth programs, education, and cultural preservation
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$3.3M
Total funding
$5.5K
Median grant
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Grand Rapids Community Foundation
The Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that connects people, passion and resources. With our partners, the Community Foundation uses the tools of philanthropy to find solutions to pressing issues. We provide grants to support the work of nonprofits, scholarships to local students and other forms of support to communities working to eliminate barriers to opportunity, prosperity and belonging.
Scholarships
Each year Grand Rapids Community Foundation supports hundreds of students on their college or career training journeys. We are excited to remove barriers to academic success so that students like you can pursue what you're passionate about.
Grand Rapids Combined Theatre Scholarships
Open to full-time theatre arts majors at an accredited college/university in the U.S., who also have current or previous involvement in Grand Rapids community theater (Civic, Circle, Actors, Jewish, Heritage, Master Arts theaters), or with the theater program at Aquinas, Calvin, GRCC, or GVSU. Four scholarships are awarded annually, three of those are in honor of Norma Brinks, David and Emma Nicollette and Paul Dreher.
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.
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.
Our Mission
Empower donors to fulfill their passions and dreams by establishing charitable vehicles designed to create a positive and enduring impact on Jewish Buffalo, Western New York and the World.
Geoff Richter Performing Arts Award
The Geoff Richter Performing Arts Award Committee announces the availability of an Award up to $2,000! The GRPAA was founded in memory of Geoff Richter, Western New York Musician and Educator of the Arts.
About Geoff Richter
A native of Eden, New York, Geoff received his Bachelor of Music degree with a Performer’s Certificate in trumpet and a Master’s with a Performers Fellowship, from the Eastman School of Music.
Geoff played trumpet professionally with the Rochester, San Antonio, and Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestras and Niagara Falls, Binghamton, Chautauqua, Orchard Park, Clarence, Cheektowaga, and Amherst Symphony Orchestras. He co-founded the Buffalo Brass Quintet, the Buffalo Niagara Concert Band, and The Frankfurters, an internationally known Bavarian show band. He also acted as the summer/pops conductor of the Erie County Wind Ensemble and the Amherst Symphony Orchestra.
After retiring from a long career at Williamsville North High School, Geoff started working part time as director of the orchestra for musicals at St. Joseph Collegiate Institute. He also worked with the Mount Saint Mary Academy band and recruited and directed the orchestra for the annual school musical.
Community Foundation for Northeast Florida
The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida connects people who care with causes that matter. Since 1964, we have served the citizens of Duval, St. Johns, Nassau, Baker, Clay, and Putnam counties through a range of charitable and civic activities, while helping individual donors achieve their philanthropic goals. We believe in Giving Back. Forever Forward.
Scholarships
Thanks to generous donors, The Community Foundation offers several scholarships each year that benefit students in Northeast Florida who are seeking post-secondary degrees.
Bernie G. Yvon Memorial Fund Scholarship
For High School Seniors & College Students in The Theatre/Performing Arts
The purpose of the fund is to perpetuate the legacy of Bernie G. Yvon by supporting students pursuing study in the Theatre/Performing Arts with need-based scholarships. In this tenth year (2026), amounts up to $2000 each will be available from contributions to the fund via The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida. In selecting the successful candidate(s), the review committee will consider the following:
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
About Us
Our Mission
The Tennessee Arts Commission was created in 1967 by the Tennessee General Assembly with the special mandate to stimulate and encourage the presentation of the visual, literary, music and performing arts and to encourage public interest in the cultural heritage of Tennessee. TN Arts Commission Governing Policies can be found here.
The mission of the Tennessee Arts Commission is to cultivate the arts for the benefit of all Tennesseans and their communities. Our vision is a Tennessee where the arts inspire, connect and enhance everyday lives.
The Commission is supported by in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.
Individual Artist Fellowship
Recognition and acknowledgement of outstanding professional Tennessee artists who, through their work add to the cultural vitality of the state.
Fellowships provide those individuals who by education, experience, or natural talent engage in a particular art form or discipline, and live and work in Tennessee. To qualify, an artist must be financially compensated for his or her work, and this compensation must be a significant source of support for their livelihood.
No matching funds are required and no specific project has to be carried out with the funds. The Commission anticipates that each fellowship recipient will be awarded $5,000. In a year, the Tennessee Arts Commission may award approximately 1-3 fellowships each in Craft, Media, Visual Art, Dance, Music, Theatre, and Literary Arts.
William D. and H. Marie Betrus Smith Scholarship for Theatrical Arts
The purpose of the scholarship is to enhance the performance quality and technical aspects of theater arts for Monroe County residents. Many actors train at length in special programs, conservatories, universities, or colleges to develop their skills. To promote the highest level of accomplishment, the scholarship will fund the mastery of textual interpretation, voice, and movement. Technical awards are considered when portfolios are submitted with applications.
All ages should consider applying, from 7 to 70. If you have been in a show this season, your audition may be waived. Technical awards are considered, so if you have been active backstage, consider applying as well. Note your production role and the approximate number of hours worked to be considered for an audition waiver as well.
Armstrong County Community Foundation
The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,
Susan Falsetti-Burdett Memorial Scholarship Fund for Music
Born in Kittanning in 1957, Susan Burdett was the daughter of Aldo and Dorothy (Trenchik) Falsetti, and was a lifelong resident of our community. Susie was a loving daughter, sister, mother, wife, and friend. She taught music to many over the years, and also taught at Divine Redeemer School. She was caring, compassionate, sharing and understanding. Her charity will live on through this Susan Falsetti-Burdett memorial Scholarship Fund for Music.
Scholarship Details
All ACCF Scholarships are merit based.
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.
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.
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 63 funding opportunities for theater programs, with $1.4M 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.
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 30.1% 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 $10,000, while the average grant awarded is $27,453. 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.
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