Best Grants for Dance Nonprofit Organizations in Tennessee

South Arts Inc

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, South Arts is a nonprofit regional arts organization empowering artists, organizations, and communities, and increasing access to arts and culture.

In partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the State Arts Agencies of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee — with additional funding from other public and private donors such as the Doris Duke Foundation, the Ford Foundation, and Mellon Foundation — South Arts supports artists and organizations through a rich and responsive portfolio of grants, fellowships, and programs. Why? Because South Arts believes that the arts elevate the region, increasing connectedness and inspiring meaningful change in the process.

Our mission: Advancing Southern vitality through the arts.

Arts in Community Grants

Program Description

Arts in Community Grants are designed to support deeper engagements between Southern communities and artists. Through these grants supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, we aim to increase access to the arts, expand audiences for artists, and broaden our reach. Eligible projects require a Southern artist/company visiting another Southern state for public activities, offering access to arts programming by professional artists. Funding supports Southern film directors, traditional artists, visual artists, performing artists, or writers:

• film (documentary, fiction, experimental, and animation),
• traditional arts (music, dance, storytelling, and visual arts/crafts),
• visual arts (crafts, drawing, experimental, painting, photography, sculpture, and mixed media),
• performing arts (theater, music, opera, musical theater, and dance), and
• literary arts (fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry).

Projects require an artist or artist ensemble and a host or partner organization. Project must include at least two in-person or live, virtual public activities – both a public presentation (a film screening, performance, reading, or exhibition) and an educational/community engagement activity (a workshop, demonstration, lecture, facilitated discussion, or master class). The grant requires a dollar-for-dollar cash match.

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.

Accepted categories for FY 2028:

• Visual Art:
  • Two-Dimensional Work
  • Mural Arts
  • Craft
• Media:
  • Film
  • Photography
• Dance:
  • Solo Dance, Choreography, or Movement-based Work
• Music:
• Performance-based Work
• Composition-based Work
• Theatre:
• Acting or Directing
• Playwriting
• Production Design (set, lighting, or costume)
• Literary Arts:
• Creative Non-fiction
• Fiction
• Children’s Literature/Young Adult Literature
• Poetry

Women-identifying individual artists in the U.S., including those working in dance-related or performance-based environmental art, can apply for Anonymous Was A Woman Environmental Art Grants of up to US $20,000 to advance in-progress projects. Grants from New York Foundation for the Arts support environmentally focused art with free public engagement between August 2025 and August 2026.

Tennessee arts and cultural 501(c)(3) nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million can access funding through the William Randolph Hearst Foundation for culture programs, capital projects, and limited general or endowment support. Eligible organizations include ballets, performing arts centers, museums, symphonies, theaters, and arts schools, especially those engaging youth, nurturing artistic talent, or offering STEAM-focused education, with awards more than US $100,000.

Individual SHAPE America members active in measurement and evaluation, including those working in dance education in Tennessee, can be nominated for this national honor recognizing outstanding contributions to the Measurement and Evaluation SIG. The Society of Health and Physical Educators celebrates leadership that advances assessment and research in health, physical education, dance, and related fields.

Experienced SHAPE America members in health, physical education, dance, or related fields who have a substantial scholarly record in measurement and evaluation may be eligible for this national lifetime achievement recognition. With a mission to advance professional practice and promote research, Society of Health and Physical Educators honors individuals whose work significantly advances theory and application in these areas.

Dance and sports educators and professionals in Tennessee and across the U.S. can apply for SHAPE America’s National Girls and Women in Sports Legacy Award, offering US $1,000 for projects advancing opportunities for girls and women in sport. Eligible SHAPE America members may propose research, professional development, after-school programs, or similar initiatives.

New and current NDP dance grantees and U.S.-based presenters or curatorial staff can receive up to US $500 for domestic travel to plan touring of NDP-funded works, including in Tennessee. New England Foundation for the Arts supports trips that build relationships and assess feasibility for presenting National Dance Project pieces.

Tennessee graduate students in dance, physical education, health, or recreation can access funding through the Society of Health and Physical Educators’ Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship. This U.S.-wide award of US $1,750 supports SHAPE America members in full-time master’s or doctoral programs who demonstrate strong academics, leadership, and service, and includes a three-year membership.

Tennessee undergraduate students majoring in dance, physical education, health, recreation, or related fields can receive US $1,250 to support their studies and professional development. Focused on higher education in movement disciplines, Society of Health and Physical Educators invites SHAPE America student members with strong academics and leadership to apply for the Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship.

Children and adults with cystic fibrosis in California seeking support for dance, horseback riding, swimming, or golf can apply for Loretta Morris Memorial Grants from BreatheStrong CF, with awards up to US $750 paid directly to providers. Tennessee dance organizations serving eligible Californians with CF may benefit when facilitating these activities.

Native-led dance and other performing arts organizations in Tennessee can receive US $30,000 for live productions featuring multiple Native performers and artists. First Peoples Fund supports U.S.-based Native performing artists and Native-led groups presenting in-person or virtual performances, including theater, dance, music festivals, concerts, fairs, and touring productions in active stages of production.

Graduating high school seniors in New Jersey pursuing post-secondary dance, drama, visual arts, or music studies can receive $5,000 toward tuition through the Elaine Ehlers Arts Scholarship. Grants from Arts Council of the Morris Area support Morris County residents with demonstrated artistic excellence, which may benefit Tennessee dance nonprofits partnering with eligible students or families.

High school seniors pursuing dance or other arts studies can access funding through Arts Council of the Morris Area’s Eugenie Coladarci Arts Scholarship, which awards US $1,500 toward tuition. Eligible applicants must be Morris County, New Jersey residents attending New Jersey high schools and planning accredited post-secondary arts programs, with selection based on artistic excellence and dedication.

Focused on contemporary American classical concert music, Tennessee dance and other professional performing organizations can seek general operating or project support that features works by younger or under-recognized living American composers. The Alice M. Ditson Fund accepts applications from nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups, including eligible organizations outside the U.S. presenting qualifying American music.

Graduate students in arts and cultural fields from eligible Asian countries who are enrolled full-time at U.S. universities, including those studying dance in Tennessee, can receive US $15,000 for one academic year to cover travel and living expenses. Asian Cultural Council also connects fellows with a global community of artists and scholars.

Experienced individual dance artists, scholars, and arts professionals can seek Asian Cultural Council’s Individual Fellowship to fund self-directed research and cultural exchange travel between Asia and the U.S., including Tennessee connections. Fellows pursue activities like meetings, workshops, and archival research that deepen artistic practice, cultural immersion, and international collaboration across eligible countries and disciplines.

Individual artists, scholars, and arts professionals in dance and related disciplines from eligible Asian countries can apply for Asian Cultural Council’s New York Fellowship; awards support six-month cultural immersion and research in New York City and across the U.S. Tennessee dance nonprofits may benefit by encouraging qualified Asian collaborators or residents to pursue this opportunity.

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.

Graduate students in psychomotor measurement and evaluation at U.S. colleges or universities can receive support to cover professional expenses, which may benefit those involved in dance-related research or K–12 programs in Tennessee. With a mission to advance health and physical education, SHAPE America provides this award to members with strong potential in the field.

Exceptional health, physical education, dance, or sport professionals in the U.S., including those impacting Tennessee dance education, may be honored for long, distinguished service through the Luther Halsey Gulick Award. Presented annually by SHAPE America – Society of Health and Physical Educators, this national medal recognizes leaders whose careers have significantly advanced these fields.

The Helen M. Heitmann Young Scholar Award, presented by SHAPE America, honors young professionals who have made significant contributions to research in curriculum and instruction within health and physical education. Eligible candidates must be current SHAPE America members and have 3 to 6 years of experience post-doctorate. This award emphasizes active involvement and scholarship in the field, encouraging innovative research that enhances educational practices for preK-12 students.

The E.B. Henderson Award, presented by SHAPE America, honors minority members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to scholarship, mentorship, and advocacy for ethnic minorities within health and physical education. Established in 1885, SHAPE America serves over 200,000 professionals, promoting high-quality education standards. The award recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to increasing the participation of underserved populations in the field. Limited to two awards annually, it highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in health education.

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.