Best Grants for Dance Nonprofit Organizations in Michigan

Women-identifying individual artists in the U.S., including those creating dance-related environmental projects, can apply for New York Foundation for the Arts’ Anonymous Was A Woman Environmental Art Grants, with awards up to US $20,000. Grants support existing environmental art projects with free public engagement, addressing themes like regeneration, climate change, and eco-social engagement through August 2026.

Michigan arts and culture nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million can access funding through William Randolph Hearst Foundation for significant arts and science programming, including dance and ballet. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) institutions such as ballets, performing arts centers, museums, symphonies, and arts schools may receive program, capital, or limited general and endowment support, with awards typically more than US $100,000.

Individual SHAPE America members in Michigan working in health, physical education, dance, or sport measurement and evaluation can be nominated for the Measurement and Evaluation Honor Award recognizing outstanding contributions to the Measurement and Evaluation SIG. With a mission to advance professional practice, Society of Health and Physical Educators honors impactful leaders through this national recognition.

Experienced SHAPE America members advancing measurement and evaluation in health, physical education, dance, or related K–12 fields nationwide can be honored through this lifetime achievement award. With a mission to advance professional practice and promote research, Society of Health and Physical Educators recognizes individuals whose substantial scholarly work has significantly influenced theory and application, including those whose work may support dance education in Michigan.

Dance and sports educators in Michigan and across the U.S. can seek support for projects advancing opportunities for girls and women in sport, including dance. The Society of Health and Physical Educators offers the NAGWS Legacy Award, providing US $1,000 for research, professional development, after-school programs, speakers, or similar initiatives.

Michigan dance presenters, curators, residency directors, and NDP-supported dance artists can receive up to US $500 for U.S. travel to plan and assess touring of National Dance Project works. New England Foundation for the Arts funds trips that build relationships and support future touring of NDP-funded dance projects, including community-focused site visits and planning meetings.

Michigan dance and physical education graduate students can access funding through the Society of Health and Physical Educators’ Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship. This US $1,750 award supports full-time SHAPE America member master’s or doctoral students in health, physical education, recreation, or dance with strong academics and leadership, including those connected to dance-focused nonprofit work.

Undergraduate students majoring in dance, physical education, health, recreation, or related fields in Michigan can receive US $1,250 plus a three-year SHAPE America membership to support their studies. Focused on advancing professional practice, Society of Health and Physical Educators invites eligible SHAPE America student members to apply based on academics, leadership, and service.

Children and adults with cystic fibrosis in California seeking support for horseback riding, dance, swimming, or golf can receive up to US $750 in activity funding, paid directly to providers. Focused on active lifestyles, BreatheStrong CF invites eligible individuals whose interests include dance to apply through the Loretta Morris Memorial Grants program.

Native-led dance and other performing arts organizations or collectives in Michigan can seek support for live productions, including tours and community-based performances. First Peoples Fund’s Native Performing Arts Live Production Grant offers US $30,000 for U.S.-based Native performing artists and Native-led groups presenting active-stage live productions featuring multiple Native performers.

Graduating high school seniors in New Jersey pursuing post-secondary studies in dance, drama, visual arts, or music can receive $5,000 to support tuition through the Elaine Ehlers Arts Scholarship. Grants from Arts Council of the Morris Area are awarded based on artistic excellence, with panels including experts in each discipline, and may benefit students connected to dance-focused organizations in Michigan indirectly.

Michigan high school seniors pursuing college-level dance or other arts study can access funding through the Arts Council of the Morris Area’s Eugenie Coladarci Arts Scholarship; awards US $1,500 for tuition at an accredited arts or college program. Applicants must be Morris County, New Jersey residents attending a New Jersey high school and demonstrate artistic excellence.

Professional dance companies and other performing ensembles in Michigan can seek general operating or project support for live performances of contemporary American classical concert music. Focused on classical music, opera, and dance, the Alice M. Ditson Fund supports organizations committed to works by younger and relatively unknown, living American composers; fiscal sponsorship by a 501(c)(3) is allowed.

Graduate students from eligible Asian countries in arts and cultural fields who will study full-time in the U.S. can receive funding for travel and living expenses through Asian Cultural Council’s Graduate Fellowship. Dance-focused students headed to accredited U.S. programs, including those in or from Michigan, may be eligible for this US $15,000 award.

Experienced individual dance artists, scholars, and arts professionals in Michigan and across eligible countries can seek Asian Cultural Council’s Individual Fellowship to fund self-directed international research and cultural exchange projects. Focused on immersive activities rather than production or single events, this fellowship may benefit those whose dance-related work connects with Asia or the U.S.

Individual artists, scholars, and arts professionals from eligible Asian countries working in dance and related disciplines can apply for Asian Cultural Council’s six-month New York Fellowship to pursue cultural exchange and independent research in the U.S. This immersive program may benefit Michigan dance nonprofits collaborating with or hosting qualifying fellows from Asia.

The Wisconsin Public Service Foundation Grant supports local communities through charitable contributions, focusing on areas such as arts, education, and human services. Funded by shareholders, not utility customers, the foundation awards nearly $1.4 million annually to nonprofit organizations that enhance community quality of life. Eligible projects must align with specific funding areas and be located within the service area. The foundation encourages innovative projects that foster community engagement and development.

Graduate students in psychomotor measurement and evaluation at U.S. colleges and universities can receive support for professional expenses, including those whose work connects to dance education and assessment in Michigan. With a mission to advance health and physical education, SHAPE America provides this award to members with strong potential in measurement and evaluation.

Individual health, physical education, or dance professionals in Michigan and nationwide who are long-time SHAPE America members may be eligible for this top professional honor recognizing distinguished service and leadership. The Society of Health and Physical Educators annually awards the Luther Halsey Gulick Medal to one exemplary leader whose work advances school-based health, PE, and related fields.

Early-career health and physical education researchers in Michigan and nationwide can be honored for impactful curriculum and instruction scholarship through the Helen M. Heitmann Young Scholar Award. Focused on advancing research and teaching practice, SHAPE America recognizes individuals three to six years post-doctorate whose work strengthens health, PE, and related dance or movement education.

Michigan dance and physical education professionals who are minority SHAPE America members with at least ten years’ service can be honored for scholarship, mentorship, and service to underserved communities through the E.B. Henderson Award. This Society of Health and Physical Educators recognition may benefit educators advancing inclusive K–12 dance, health, and physical activity programs.

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.