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Find funding for nonprofit theater equipment, lighting, sound, stage improvements, and facility upgrades.
265
Available grants
$3.3M
Total funding
$5.1K
Median grant
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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.
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.
Grants for theatre equipment fund the purchase of stage lighting, sound systems, and essential materials to enhance performances. The following grants empower schools, theaters, and nonprofits to improve production quality, create engaging experiences, and ensure accessibility for all audiences.
Find 62 funding opportunities for theatre equipment, with $1.2M available. Instrumentl supports organizations by providing access to funding opportunities, deadline tracking tools, and funder insights to enhance performance spaces.
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 Theatre Equipment?
Most grants are due in the first quarter.
What's the typical grant amount funded for Grants for Theatre Equipment?
Grants are most commonly $10,000.
Nonprofits eligible for theatre equipment grants include organizations seeking funding for stage lighting, sound systems, and other essential materials to enhance performances. Nonprofit theatres, performing arts centers, community arts programs, and educational institutions looking to upgrade or purchase theatre equipment are encouraged to apply. Funders often prioritize projects that improve production quality and enhance the audience experience.
Grants for theatre equipment typically have the highest concentration of deadlines in Q1, with 31.9% 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.
Theatre equipment grants fund the acquisition of lighting, sound systems, set design tools, seating upgrades, and other stage essentials. These grants help schools, theaters, and nonprofits enhance production quality, create engaging performances, and improve accessibility for all audiences. Funders focus on expanding production capabilities, fostering immersive experiences, and ensuring inclusive theatre spaces.
On average, grants theatre equipment provide funding between $625 and $250,000, with typical awards falling around $10,000 (median) and $24,388 (average). These insights can help nonprofits align their funding requests with what grantmakers typically offer in this space.
Organizations such as the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the Shubert Foundation, the Ford Foundation, and state arts councils contribute to the $1.7M of funding available for theatre equipment upgrades.
To improve their success rate, performing arts organizations should consider the following in their proposals:
Want to improve your grant prospecting strategy? Master the process with our detailed guide to grant prospect research.
Instrumentl simplifies the grant application process for performing arts organizations by offering an intuitive platform that helps nonprofits discover relevant funding opportunities, track deadlines, and analyze funder-giving patterns. The platform's automated alerts ensure users never miss a deadline, while detailed funder insights help organizations tailor their applications to align with grantor priorities. Discover how the University of Illinois centralized grant information to make work more collaborative and efficient.