Best Grants for Dance Nonprofit Organizations in Montana

Women-identifying individual artists in the U.S. can apply for Anonymous Was A Woman Environmental Art Grants to support in-progress environmental art projects with up to US $20,000. Grants from New York Foundation for the Arts help advance projects exploring themes like climate change, eco-social engagement, or systems-restoration, including dance-related or performance-based work with free public engagement by August 2026.

Montana dance and ballet nonprofits offering arts or arts education programming can access funding through William Randolph Hearst Foundation for culture-focused initiatives in the U.S. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations with audited expenses over $2 million may seek program, capital, or limited general and endowment support, especially for artist development, arts education, and STEAM-related cultural programs.

Graduate students in the U.S. focusing on psychomotor measurement and evaluation can receive support for professional expenses through this award, including those whose work connects to dance and physical education. With a mission to advance health and physical education, SHAPE America provides funding to current members enrolled in master’s or doctoral programs with at least one year remaining.

With a mission to advance health and physical education, Society of Health and Physical Educators provides Montana dance and physical education professionals with the Measurement and Evaluation Honor Award. Current SHAPE America members in the Measurement and Evaluation SIG who have significantly advanced its mission may be nominated for this national recognition.

Experienced SHAPE America members advancing measurement and evaluation in health, physical education, or dance can be honored through this national lifetime achievement award, open to professionals in Montana and across the U.S. With a mission to advance professional practice, Society of Health and Physical Educators recognizes a substantial scholarly record and significant theoretical impact.

Current SHAPE America members planning projects that expand opportunities for girls and women in sport, physical activity, or dance in Montana and beyond can apply for this $1,000 award. The Society of Health and Physical Educators supports proposals such as research, after-school programs, professional development, or speaker support that honor the National Girls and Women in Sports legacy.

U.S.-based dance presenters, curators, residency directors, and current National Dance Project artist grantees can receive up to US $500 for domestic travel to plan touring of NDP-funded works, including those serving Montana. New England Foundation for the Arts supports in-person meetings, site visits, and relationship-building that advance U.S. touring of eligible dance projects.

Montana dance and movement-focused graduate students can access funding through the Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship to support advanced study in health, physical education, recreation, or dance. Offered by the Society of Health and Physical Educators, this U.S.-wide award provides US $1,750 plus a three-year SHAPE America membership for eligible full-time master’s or doctoral candidates.

Undergraduate students in Montana majoring in dance, physical education, health, recreation, or related fields can receive US $1,250 to support their studies through the Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship. Focused on advancing health and physical education, Society of Health and Physical Educators recognizes scholastic achievement, leadership, and service among SHAPE America student members nationwide.

Children and adults with cystic fibrosis seeking support for dance, horseback riding, swimming, or golf activities can apply for Loretta Morris Memorial Grants, with awards up to US $750. Focused on active lifestyles, BreatheStrong CF pays approved funds directly to activity providers, which may benefit Montana dance nonprofits serving eligible California residents.

Native-led performing arts organizations and individual Native performing artists in Montana can receive US $30,000 for live dance, theater, music, or other Native cultural performances in active production stages. First Peoples Fund supports U.S.-based Native creators 18+ with tribal enrollment, descent, or ancestry documentation, including projects featuring multiple Native performers and Native community performances.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing college-level dance, drama, visual arts, or music study can receive the Elaine Ehlers Arts Scholarship to support tuition. Grants from Arts Council of the Morris Area help New Jersey students, specifically Morris County residents, further their arts education through a $5,000 award paid directly to their chosen program.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing dance, drama, visual arts, or music studies can receive $1,500 toward tuition through the Eugenie Coladarci Arts Scholarship, paid directly to their college or arts program. Montana dance organizations may share this opportunity with eligible Morris County, New Jersey residents connected to their programs or communities.

Montana dance and performing arts nonprofits can seek project or general operating support for presenting contemporary American classical concert music. Focused on classical music, opera, and dance, the Alice M. Ditson Fund invites professional ensembles and institutions, including those using fiscal sponsors, to apply for work featuring younger or under-recognized living American composers.

Graduate students from eligible Asian countries pursuing full-time, in-residence arts or cultural graduate programs in the U.S., including dance-related fields, can receive funding for travel and living expenses. Asian Cultural Council offers US $15,000 for one academic year, with possible renewal, to support coursework-based study rather than tuition or research costs.

Experienced individual dance artists, scholars, and arts professionals can seek funding for self-directed research and cultural exchange projects through Asian Cultural Council’s Individual Fellowship, including travel between Asia and the U.S. Montana-based practitioners may be eligible if they meet citizenship and discipline criteria and propose immersive, relationship-building activities rather than production-focused residencies or single events.

The Shubert Foundation is the largest funder in the U.S. providing unrestricted grants to not-for-profit theatres and dance companies. It focuses on supporting professional dance organizations that demonstrate artistic activity, community service, and fiscal responsibility. The foundation emphasizes equity, diversity, and inclusion in its grant-making process, with a commitment to evaluating organizations based on their impact and contributions to the field. Funding is limited to U.S. organizations with established track records.

Health and physical education professionals in the U.S. with long, distinguished careers may be honored for their service, research, teaching, or administration through the Luther Halsey Gulick Award. SHAPE America’s annual medal recognizes nationally awarded leaders whose work, including in areas like dance education, inspires youth to lead healthy, active lives.

Early-career researchers in health or physical education curriculum and instruction can be recognized for impactful scholarship through the Helen M. Heitmann Young Scholar Award. Focused on curriculum research, SHAPE America invites eligible scholars, including those working in dance education, to apply; nominees must be SHAPE America members three to six years post-doctorate.

Montana health, PE, and dance educators who are minority SHAPE America members with at least ten years of professional HPERD experience may be eligible for the E.B. Henderson Award honoring scholarship, mentorship, and service. This Society of Health and Physical Educators recognition celebrates leaders expanding participation of ethnic minorities and underserved groups in their fields.

The Curriculum and Instruction Honor Award, presented by SHAPE America, recognizes outstanding contributions to health and physical education curriculum research. This prestigious award highlights the importance of effective instructional practices that prepare students for active and healthy lives. Award recipients are selected based on their scholarship in health education and physical education, demonstrating commitment to excellence since the organization's founding in 1885. SHAPE America advocates for quality education and promotes the well-being of preK-12 students across the United States.

The SHAPE America Major of the Year Award recognizes exemplary undergraduate students in health, physical education, recreation, and dance. This prestigious accolade aims to highlight nominees who demonstrate academic excellence and commitment to service within their communities. Faculty members from colleges and universities are encouraged to nominate one outstanding student per major, ensuring that the next generation of health educators is celebrated for their achievements and contributions to the field.

The SHAPE America: Joy of Effort Award recognizes dedicated individuals who exemplify the spirit of commitment and passion in health and physical education. Awardees are current SHAPE America members with at least three years of membership, demonstrating excellence in teaching, coaching, or leadership. This prestigious award celebrates those who have made significant contributions to the field, inspiring others to lead healthy, active lives through their efforts in education and advocacy.

The Lazarus Family Scholarship in Bioethics and Humanities, offered by the AMA Foundation, supports students engaged in bioethics or the humanities, including art, music, and literature. This scholarship aims to foster the next generation of physician leaders by providing financial assistance to those who are committed to advancing health equity and community service. By recognizing diverse fields of study, it emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in medicine and the humanities.

The BTCF: Simple Gifts Fund Grant supports young artists aged 13-19 in the Berkshire Taconic region, providing financial assistance for summer enrichment programs in the arts. Established in 1998 in memory of folk singer Bill Crofut, the fund aims to empower youth through small grants that can cover costs for tuition, art supplies, or living expenses. The grant fosters creativity and personal growth, ensuring that young individuals have opportunities to pursue their passions.

What is Emergency Assistance Fund

Emergency Financial Assistance is available to eligible performing arts and entertainment professionals:

• In times of unexpected critical need.
• To assist towards basic living expenses, such as health care, housing and utilities to prevent eviction or shut-offs.

Hunter Brown Emergency Assistance Fund

The Hunter Brown Emergency Assistance Fund offers emergency financial assistance to current or former employees of Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

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.