Best Grants for Performing Arts in Oklahoma

Oklahoma 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public entities, and tribal governments can seek support for arts-focused festivals, exhibitions, and performances through the Small Grant Support component of Community Arts Grants. Focused on community arts, Oklahoma Arts Council funding can cover artistic fees, marketing, technical costs, facility rental, and administrative expenses for eligible projects statewide.

Oklahoma performing arts and arts education organizations serving military-connected individuals can access funding through the Oklahoma Arts Council for learning- and audience-based arts programs. Grants up to US $5,000 support classes, workshops, performances, exhibitions, and capacity-building efforts that engage active-duty service members, Guard and Reserve, veterans, and their families statewide.

The Artistic Innovations Grant Program, supported by the Mid-America Arts Alliance, provides up to $15,000 to artists and arts organizations in the M-AAA six-state region. This initiative fosters creativity by funding the development and premiere of original works, encouraging innovative projects that engage local audiences. Eligible applicants include individual artists and nonprofit organizations, promoting a vibrant arts community through financial support for artistic exploration.

Oklahoma K–12 schools needing visual or performing arts classroom supplies can receive up to US $500 per site per year for materials used during the school day. Oklahoma Arts Council provides Oklahoma arts educators with flexible funding to purchase essential supplies that strengthen in-school arts instruction and support student success in the performing and visual arts.

Oklahoma performing arts organizations and other eligible 501(c)(3), government, or tribal entities presenting touring artists can access funding through Mid-America Arts Alliance to support public performances and outreach events. Grants up to Up to US $5,000 provide matching support for direct artist fees when presenting artists from elsewhere in the six-state M-AAA region.

Mid-America Arts Alliance

Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA) believes art can be a catalyst for expression, connection, collaboration, and community. This philosophy is reflected in our mission and values.

M-AAA is a nonprofit, regional arts organization representing Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, and beyond. We focus on strengthening communities and improving lives by supporting artists, elevating arts organizations, and connecting people to extraordinary cultural experiences.

Artistic Innovations Grants for Individual Artists

Program Objectives

The Artistic Innovations program supports the development of new or original works of art across all disciplines, created exclusively by in-region individual artists and art-based organizations in M-AAA’s six-state region (Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, and the Native Nations in this geography). Eligible applicants include individual artists and nonprofit 501(c)(3) arts organizations in the region.

Individual Artist Grant Considerations

The Artistic Innovations grant program supports direct project expenses incurred in the art-making process and production of public-facing engagements to individuals through private funds. These grants are funded through private support and, unlike Artistic Innovations grants to organizations, are not supported by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Company culture at Clark Associates emphasizes responsibility, sharing our success with others, and the importance of building strong communities. To help fulfill these goals, Clark Associates Charitable Foundation (CACF) was incorporated in 2001 and provides funding to organizations serving people in need and those delivering positive experiences for youth. CACF supports non-profits operating in and around its business locations and those where our employees volunteer and actively contribute. To date, CACF has distributed over $44 million in charitable contributions.

Organizations must be registered 501c3 charities serving three basic categories: people in need, innovative youth educational programs, and youth programs in music and the arts. People in need represents the largest giving category and includes homelessness, food insecurity, individuals with disabilities, victims of abuse, and people in recovery. Examples of other grant recipients include those assisting veterans, senior citizens, at-risk youth, academic enrichment, mentorship, leadership development, and those focused on the performing and visual arts.CACF evaluates grant applications submitted by non-profit organizations every month of the year.

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds. 

Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Edward A. and Shirley B. Livi Scholarship Fund

To support residents of Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire Counties who are pursuing fine or performing arts beyond their college freshman year.

Additional Guidelines

• Students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Community Foundation.
• Scholarship awards could impact the financial aid offered by a college, and students are advised to check with their college financial aid offices about this.
• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. Some part and/or all the award could be considered taxable income. It is advisable students check with the college or tax accountant regarding this matter.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Elaine Sirkin Forbes Scholarship Fund

The Elaine Sirkin Forbes Scholarship Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships for high school seniors graduating from Allegheny County Schools who wish to major in visual, performance or media art.

Award Type: Single-Year Award

Kalamazoo Community Foundation

Fueling Equity & Racial Justice Since 1925

KZCF is dedicated to our mission to create a thriving community where people, resources and expertise are mobilized to advance racial, social and economic justice in Kalamazoo County.

Scholarships & Education Grants

For All Levels of Education After High School

Kalamazoo Community Foundation is dedicated to creating pathways to higher education so students can thrive in their academic pursuits and for a lifetime. We oversee more than 60 scholarships and education grants (many of which are multiyear awards) for college, graduate school, career training and more.

Dominic & Barbara Court Family Arts Scholarship Fund

This fund was established from the estate of Barbara Court to provide scholarships for students enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program that would lead to a career in the arts.

Multiyear Award; Renews Annually

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a student who is matriculating in a performing arts program, has demonstrated commitment to their art, and has demonstrated evidence of community involvement and service to others.

The Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Craig Memorial Scholarship Fund

This scholarship fund was established by the family of John E. Craig, Jr. and Larry William Craig. Both John and Larry were extremely gifted musicians. John was a noted musician in the central Ohio community, studying at the Berklee College of Music in Boston at the time of his death. A well-known musician and businessman, Larry excelled at playing the piano and worked with his father in Craig & Sons Wrecking Company. This scholarship fund will provide support to students who are pursuing careers in musical arts, theatre or drama.

Oklahoma performing arts students planning to study music or the arts at a U.S. post-secondary school can access funding through the Columbus Foundation’s Jean T. Grant Scholarship, which awards US $1,000. Graduating high school seniors from Columbus City Schools with at least a 3.0 GPA who meet these criteria may be eligible.

Performing arts and entertainment professionals facing unexpected financial hardship can receive emergency help covering basic living expenses such as housing, utilities, or health care. Focused on crisis support, the Entertainment Community Fund offers the Hunter Brown Emergency Assistance Fund specifically for current or former Oregon Shakespeare Festival employees, which may include individuals with ties to Oklahoma’s performing arts community.

Oklahoma 501(c)(3) nonprofits presenting free outdoor music festivals can apply for Levitt Festival Grants of up to US $5,000. Focused on live performing arts in public spaces, the Mortimer and Mimi Levitt Foundation supports U.S.-based organizations using free, outdoor concerts to activate underused areas and expand arts access.

Generally the Community Foundation's scholarships are awarded to applicants who have high financial need. Applicants with household income exceeding $100,000 are less likely to be awarded, but applying will allow you to be considered for targeted scholarships.

Paul Collins Scholarship

Open to undergraduate students who are residents of Kent County who will study visual or performing arts and have a minimum 2.5 GPA.

Oklahoma performing arts students may be eligible for the Melvin L. and Frances E. Tolson Scholarship Trust Fund, which supports residents of Carroll County, Ohio pursuing aviation, art education, or fine and performing arts studies. Administered by Stark Community Foundation, this renewable scholarship awards more than US $500 for college, university, technical, or vocational programs.

Performing arts students planning full-time study at accredited 2- or 4-year colleges can receive US $1,000 through the O'Shea Patrick McCarthy Scholarship, open nationally including Oklahoma. Focused on education and the arts, Legacy Foundation supports higher education costs such as tuition or books for undergraduate study in fields like music, theater, or visual arts.

American Indian and Alaska Native students in Oklahoma pursuing performing or fine arts degrees can apply for Native Forward Scholars Fund’s Hillman Barnett Adkins Endowed Fund Scholarship, awarding $100 to $30,000 per year. Merit-based support helps full-time vocational, undergraduate, or graduate students at accredited U.S. institutions in fields like music, drama, dance, film, creative writing, and related arts.

American Indian and Alaska Native female graduate students in performing and other arts fields can receive need-based scholarship support for full-time study at accredited institutions. Grants from Native Forward Scholars Fund help Oklahoma and other U.S. students in fine, visual, media, literary, and performing arts, including music, dance, crafts, creative writing, and poetry. Awards range from US $100 - US $30,000.

Performing arts nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups in Oklahoma presenting contemporary American concert music or jazz can apply for the Aaron Copland Fund for Music’s project support grants, awarding US $2,000 - US $20,000 for discrete, standalone activities. Eligible projects include performances, recordings, festivals, residencies, and related programs that build public appreciation of this repertoire.

Performing arts nonprofits and fiscally sponsored organizations presenting contemporary American concert music or jazz can receive general operating support through this national program, including groups in Oklahoma. Focused on contemporary music, the Aaron Copland Fund invites professional ensembles, presenters, festivals, record companies, and music service organizations to apply for unrestricted awards of US $2,000 - US $20,000.

Graduating high school seniors and college students pursuing visual or performing arts degrees who are South Lake County residents may be eligible for the Burrell Family Scholarship, administered by Crown Point Community Foundation. This non-renewable award may benefit Oklahoma performing arts students with ties to South Lake County seeking higher education support.

Graduating high school seniors involved in multiple theatre productions at Crown Point High School can receive support for performing arts and related higher education. With a mission to enrich community life, Crown Point Community Foundation provides scholarships based on donor-defined criteria, which may benefit students pursuing theatre, fine arts, or other accredited college, university, or trade school programs.

Students pursuing degrees in design, architecture, fine art, performing arts, or construction management can receive scholarship support through the Walter Blackburn Scholarship, open to Marion County residents. Focused on higher education access, Central Indiana Community Foundation funds educational expenses for accredited postsecondary study, which may benefit Oklahoma performing arts students with ties to Marion County.

High school seniors and college students pursuing performing arts degrees with at least a 3.0 GPA and legal residency in Beaufort County can receive post-secondary scholarship support through the Sarah Creech Performing Arts Scholarship. Offered by Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, this national listing may interest Oklahoma performing arts students who meet the residency requirement.

Focused on performing and visual arts, East Texas Communities Foundation invites Smith County, Texas graduating seniors to apply for the Partners in Arts Scholarship, offering US $1,000 toward college. Students planning to major in visual or performing arts at any U.S. institution, including Oklahoma schools, may qualify if they meet GPA and activity requirements.