Best Grants for Performing Arts in Florida

Grants from Community Foundation of Broward help Florida performing and visual arts nonprofits expand access to arts and culture, art education, therapy, and community-based cultural programs in Broward County. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations serving Broward residents can apply to support activities like performances, public art, cultural assets, and youth or adult arts learning that engage diverse communities.

Florida 501(c)(3) arts nonprofits that are current Miami-Dade Department of Cultural Affairs grantees can apply for the Audience Access (AUD) Grant Program, with awards up to US $5,000 for ADA/access services and technology. Funding supports ASL interpreters, captioning, audio description, accessible materials, and related training to ensure inclusive performing arts programs.

Florida performing arts nonprofits can access funding through Cornelia T Bailey Charitable Trust for general operating or program support. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations must serve residents in Florida and align with the foundation’s mission in areas such as visual and performing arts, environmental ingenuity, medical research, or veterans initiatives, beginning with a letter of inquiry.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

Accredited 501(c)(3) organizations in Florida that integrate visual and/or performing arts into education can receive up to US $25,000 for arts-based learning programs. Cornelia T Bailey Charitable Trust’s P/Arts Program supports initiatives that revitalize curricula, motivate students, empower educators, and address inequities through evidence-based arts instruction and strong community partnerships.

Florida performing arts and other arts nonprofits with budgets under $500,000 can access funding for staff and board professional development, including conferences, workshops, and organization-wide training. South Arts provides up to US $1,000 for travel, registration, and related expenses to eligible tax-exempt arts organizations, government units, or tribal communities in its nine-state Southern region.

Florida performing arts and cultural nonprofits can access funding through Republic Bank Foundation for programs in education, youth, family and community welfare, civic projects, healthcare, human services, recreation, and preservation. Eligible 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(19) organizations serving communities within the bank’s Florida service area may also request occasional in-kind equipment donations.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

Performing arts and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Florida can access funding to develop storytelling projects that highlight their community impact. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation provides U.S. organizations aligned with its preservation, education, or wellness pillars with support to share transformational work through film, media, or other narrative tools; awards are more than US $50,000.

The Funding Arts Network Grants support local visual and performing arts organizations in Miami-Dade County, enhancing cultural enrichment for residents. This grant aims to fund programs that make a significant impact in the community, fostering artistic expression and engagement. Eligible organizations can receive funding for initiatives that connect with the public and promote the arts, ensuring a vibrant cultural landscape. Applications are encouraged from those dedicated to making a meaningful difference.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

Florida 501(c)(3) arts and cultural nonprofits can apply for United Arts of Central Florida’s venue subsidy grants, with awards up to US $60,000 to cover up to half of short-term venue rental and related venue costs in Orange County. Performing arts organizations presenting public exhibitions, productions, or performances may benefit, especially those serving underserved or diverse communities.

Florida 501(c)(3) public charities, public schools, and libraries can seek unrestricted funding for environmental and human services programs, including general operating or project support. Florida performing arts organizations that also run qualifying community or environmental initiatives may be eligible for US $5,000 - US $10,000 grants from the Lawrence Foundation, which has no geographic restrictions.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) arts, culture, history, or science organizations providing year-round public programming in Central Florida can use this grant for general operating support. United Arts of Central Florida supports cultural institutions in Lake, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties, which may include performing arts groups meeting the experience and prior United Arts funding requirements.

Florida performing arts and cultural organizations can receive US $1,000 - US $150,000 in General Program Support funding for ongoing programs and operations. Grants from Florida Department of State: Arts and Culture help Florida groups create, present, or sponsor performances, exhibits, and arts education, including dance, music, theatre, media arts, museums, and traditional arts programming.

Florida performing arts and cultural organizations hosting tourist-oriented events in Miami-Dade County can access funding through the Miami-Dade Department of Cultural Affairs Tourist Development Council Grants Program. Awards up to US $35,000 support sports, cultural and special events, festivals, and television projects that attract visitors, encourage overnight stays, and strengthen the local tourism industry.

Florida 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering educational, cultural, social service, environmental, or other community programs for Cutler Bay residents can access funding through the Town of Cutler Bay’s Community Fund. Grants up to US $2,500 support activities such as concerts, artistic performances, heritage festivals, and other cultural or community-enhancing projects in Cutler Bay.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits running programs in basic needs, community development, or cultural enrichment can apply for Ameriprise Financial’s community grants to support operating or program costs. Florida performing arts organizations that provide arts education, access for underserved audiences, or culturally enriching performances may be especially competitive when they also engage Ameriprise volunteers.

Florida 501(c)(3) organizations planning arts, music, culture, or education projects can seek up to US $50,000 for project-specific sponsorships. The Arthur F and Alice E Adams Supporting Foundation primarily supports innovative programs, performances, and publications, with a strong focus on organizations in Miami and other key areas, including New York City and Memphis.

Florida nonprofit organizations improving community quality of life can seek project, general operating, or capital support that advances economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation supports U.S.-based 501(c)(3) charities in O’Reilly Auto Parts communities, so performing arts groups with relevant community-focused programs may be eligible.

Nonprofit and governmental arts presenting organizations in Florida can receive up to US $1,000 for staff and guest artist travel, registration, and related costs for professional development and artistic planning. South Arts supports presenters across performing, film, visual, literary, traditional, and multidisciplinary arts within its nine-state Southern region.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and governmental entities providing arts access, education, or artist fellowships in Florida’s Miami-Dade County can receive US $100,000 - US $250,000 to expand high-quality arts programming and spaces. The Miami Foundation’s Pérez CreARTE Grants support innovative, equitable arts initiatives that engage diverse audiences and nurture artistic talent, including performing arts organizations.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

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.