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Best Grants for Performing Arts in Tennessee

Looking for grants for Performing Arts in Tennessee? Find the perfect grant for your nonprofit on Instrumentl.

114

Available grants

$736.5K

Total funding

$3.9K

Median grant

114 grants
$736.5K total
$3.9K median

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114 Results based on applied filters

Clark Associates Charitable Foundation Grant Program

Clark Assoc Charitable Fdn
Private
Florida, Georgia (US state) +9 more
Unspecified amount

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.

Basic Human Needs Youth Services Music +6 more

South Arts, Inc.: Arts in Community Grants

South Arts, Inc.
Private
Alabama, Florida +7 more
US $2,000 - US $10,000

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.

Performing Arts Film Media Arts +8 more

Tennessee Arts Commission: Individual Artist Fellowship

Tennessee Arts Commission
State/Local Government
Tennessee
US $5,000

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
Artist Training & Development Arts / Culture Access & Participation Writing & Literature +8 more

TAC Arts for All Grant

Tennessee Arts Commission
State/Local Government
Tennessee
Up to US $18,000

Arts for All

Support for arts projects that focus on increasing participation in the arts for all Tennesseans.

Engaging in the arts can serve as a powerful tool to improve many aspects of a person’s life including health and well-being, social connectedness, positive aging, increased learning and self-improvement, to name a few. Research shows that the benefits of participating in the arts goes beyond aesthetic enjoyment and is a valid, sustainable way of improving a person’s life.

Many people cannot participate or have limited access to the arts for several reasons. Their opportunity to experience or participate in the arts has been limited due to some type of barrier. Receiving the full benefits of the arts should be available to everyone regardless of economic condition, geographic location, or societal factors, just to name a few.

This grants category encourages applicants to use innovative ways to engage people with limited exposure to the arts in arts programming while reducing those barriers. Applicants in this category must fully explain the population they intend to reach, the limitations that are faced within this population of accessing the arts, and how their proposed arts program intervention will overcome these barriers.

Due to compliance with federal and state laws/policies, proposed programs in this category must be broadly open to the public, not give preferential treatment to any population, nor exclude any individuals from participating. Populations proposed to be reached must also be in compliance with federal and state nondiscriminatory policies and laws.

Application Guidelines

Proposed arts projects must involve one or more of these recognized art forms: visual, craft, media, design, music, theater, dance, folk or literary arts.

Arts / Culture Access & Participation Writing & Literature Performing Arts +4 more

Arts in Rural Places Grant

South Arts, Inc.
Private
Alabama, Florida +7 more
Up to US $3,000
The Arts in Rural Places Grant, offered by South Arts, aims to enhance access to the arts in rural and isolated communities across nine southern states. Grants of up to $3,000 support public activities featuring Southern artists, requiring a dollar-for-dollar cash match. Eligible organizations must host at least two public events and engage a professional artist, promoting cultural engagement and artistic expression within these communities.
Writing & Literature Performing Arts Film +5 more

Josh Turner Scholarship Fund for the Arts

Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee
Private
Alabama, Arkansas +8 more
Unspecified amount
The Josh Turner Scholarship Fund for the Arts, established by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, empowers high school seniors from rural areas across ten southern states to pursue careers in music and the arts. This fund honors Josh Turner's journey in the music industry and aims to support students focusing on diverse opportunities within the music business, including performance, writing, and production, as well as various art disciplines.
Education - High School Academic Scholarship Programs Visual Arts +2 more

Buddy Pierce and Maggie P. Speight Scholarship Fund for the Arts

Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee
Private
Tennessee
Unspecified amount
The Buddy Pierce and Maggie P. Speight Scholarship Fund for the Arts, established by two siblings with a passion for the arts, aims to support low-income students pursuing music or arts education in college. Administered by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, the fund reflects a commitment to fostering creativity and artistic expression. Eligible applicants must maintain a B average and can apply for renewals, ensuring ongoing support for their educational journey. This initiative promotes a thriving arts community in the Nashville area.
Performing Arts Music Education Education - High School +1 more

CFMT Ernest and Selma Rosenblum Fund for the Performing Arts

Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee
Private
Tennessee
Up to US $15,000
The CFMT Ernest and Selma Rosenblum Fund for the Performing Arts, established by Dr. Marvin J. Rosenblum in honor of his parents, supports the performing arts in Middle Tennessee. With a mission to foster a thriving and inclusive community, the fund encourages grant requests for program support, enabling nonprofits to access up to $15,000. This initiative aims to enhance exposure and education in the arts, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Performing Arts

Frankenmuth Insurance Foundation Charitable Grant

Frankenmuth Insurance Foundation
Private
Alabama, Georgia (US state) +10 more
Unspecified amount
The Frankenmuth Insurance Foundation Charitable Grant supports qualified charities focused on community betterment and basic human needs. Founded in 2016, it aims to enhance lives through initiatives such as affordable housing, health programs, and the arts. Organizations eligible for funding must be tax-exempt and serve areas where Frankenmuth Insurance operates. Notably, the foundation excludes support for individuals, political groups, and projects typically financed by governments, ensuring its resources benefit the wider community.
Basic Human Needs Performing Arts Health Care Access & Delivery +1 more

Professional Development Grants for Arts Organizations

South Arts, Inc.
Private
Alabama, Florida +7 more
Up to US $1,000
South Arts, Inc. offers Professional Development Grants for Arts Organizations to enhance the skills and knowledge of Southern arts entities. These grants aim to support operational stability and growth, focusing on organizations with budgets of $500,000 or less. Eligible applicants include a range of arts organizations within South Arts' nine-state service area. The program emphasizes first-time opportunities and requires a dollar-for-dollar cash match, ensuring a commitment to professional development in the arts.
Performing Arts Film Visual Arts +4 more

Republic Bank Grants

Republic Bank Foundation Inc
Private
Florida, Indiana +3 more
Unspecified amount
The Republic Bank Grants program supports non-profit organizations in Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, and Florida that enhance community welfare through various initiatives such as education, healthcare, and civic projects. By providing financial and in-kind donations, Republic Bank aims to strengthen community ties and foster impactful change. Eligible organizations must have IRS 501(c) status and submit grant requests in writing at least two months in advance, ensuring timely support for their initiatives.
Education Recreation Performing Arts +6 more

Ralph J. Torraco Fine Arts Scholarship

UNICO Foundation Inc
Association/Society
California, Connecticut +12 more
US $2,500
The Ralph J. Torraco Fine Arts Scholarship, offered by the UNICO Foundation, awards two $2,500 scholarships to U.S. students studying Fine Arts, including Performing, Visual, or Technical Arts. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens with a minimum GPA of 3.0, enrolled full-time in an accredited college, and planning to continue their studies into the 2025-2026 academic year. This scholarship aims to support and promote Italian American culture and heritage through the arts.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs Performing Arts +2 more

Professional Development and Artistic Planning Grants

South Arts, Inc.
Private
Alabama, Florida +7 more
Up to US $1,000
The Professional Development and Artistic Planning Grants, offered by South Arts, support the professional growth of presenters, programmers, and curators in the Southern U.S. These grants facilitate travel to conferences, workshops, and other opportunities to enhance organizational capacity and program design. Emphasizing diversity and inclusion, South Arts encourages applications from organizations led by BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and disabled individuals. Funding covers travel, training, and related expenses, promoting equitable access to professional development.
Media Arts Film Writing & Literature +3 more

Regions Bank Matching Gifts Program: Full-Time Associates

Regions Bank
Corporate
Alabama, Arizona +26 more
Unspecified amount

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

  • Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
  • Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
  • Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
  • Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
  • Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
  • Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Full-Time Associates

Regions supports organizations important to our associates through the Regions Matching Gifts Program. This program, which is open for use for all full-time Regions associates, affiliate associates and recent retirees, allows you to make an even greater difference to your favorite charities by doubling your tax-deductible contributions to these organizations. 

Disability Care & Services Military & Veterans Services Workforce Preparation & Job Readiness +7 more

Furer-Barag-Wolf Post 126 Jewish War Veterans Scholarship Award

Jewish Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Furer-Barag-Wolf Post 126 Jewish War Veterans Scholarship Award supports children or grandchildren of JWV Post 126 members, providing merit-based assistance for college or vocational education. Eligible applicants must reside in specific counties in New Jersey or be related to a JWV member. The scholarship covers tuition, books, and living expenses and is open for reapplication annually. This initiative by the Jewish Community Foundation fosters educational opportunities for deserving students.
Education - Higher Education Military & Veterans Services Academic Scholarship Programs +6 more

Joe Williams Music Scholarship Program

United Negro College Fund Inc
Private
Bamberg County, South Carolina, Davidson County, Tennessee +30 more
Up to US $6,000

Joe Williams Music Scholarship Program

The Joe Williams Music Scholarship Program was created to help provide funding to students who desire to major in the study of music.

Individual Award

  • Up to $6,000

This scholarship will be disbursed for the current 2025-2026 school year. 

Education - Higher Education Performing Arts Visual Arts

The Maralyn J. Stewart Memorial Scholarship Fund

Stanislaus Community Foundation
Private
United States
US $1,000 - US $2,500

Stanislaus Community Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students in order to help them achieve their educational and career goals. We believe that by investing in our students, we are investing in a brighter future for Stanislaus. 

The Maralyn J. Stewart Memorial Scholarship Fund 

Available to Modesto City Schools high school seniors or graduates of Modesto City Schools who demonstrate financial need and participated in performing arts while in high school.

Award Amount:

  • Ranges from $1,000 to $2,500  
Education - Higher Education Career / College Preparation Performing Arts

Llewellyn L. Cayvan String Instrument Scholarship

Grand Rapids Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

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.

Llewellyn L. Cayvan String Instrument Scholarship

Open to students studying music with concentration in viola, violin, violincello, or bass viol.

Performing Arts Classical Music Music Education

Paul Collins Scholarship

Grand Rapids Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

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.

Education - Higher Education Performing Arts Visual Arts

Edward C. Snyder Memorial Scholarship

Scranton Area Foundation Inc
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

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.

Education - Higher Education Performing Arts Youth Development & Leadership +2 more

Dominic & Barbara Court Family Arts Scholarship Fund

Kalamazoo Community Foundation
Private
United States
Up to US $2,000

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

Education - Higher Education Performing Arts Vocational & Trade Education

Edward A. and Shirley B. Livi Scholarship Fund

Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts
Private
United States
Up to US $3,000

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.
Education - Higher Education Performing Arts Fine Art

Elaine Sirkin Forbes Scholarship Fund

Pittsburgh Foundation
Private
United States
US $1,000

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

Education - Higher Education Performing Arts Media Arts +1 more

Craig Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Columbus Foundation
Private
United States
US $1,000

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.

Education - Higher Education Music Performing Arts +1 more

Jean T. Grant Scholarship

The Columbus Foundation
Private
United States
US $1,000
The Jean T. Grant Scholarship, established by The Columbus Foundation, honors the legacy of Jean Terry Grant, a devoted librarian and arts advocate. Providing $1,000, this scholarship supports graduating seniors from Columbus City Schools pursuing studies in music or the arts. Jean's commitment to education and the arts inspires future generations, ensuring that her passion for creativity and philanthropy continues to impact the community positively.
Education - Higher Education Education - High School Academic Scholarship Programs +2 more

Hunter Brown Emergency Assistance Fund

Entertainment Community Fund
Association/Society
United States
Unspecified amount

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.

Emergency Medical Care & Services Music Performing Arts +6 more

Levitt Festival Grant

Mortimer and Mimi Levitt Foundation
Private
United States
Up to US $5,000

About Levitt

The Levitt Family Foundation exists to strengthen the social fabric of America. We partner with communities to activate underused outdoor spaces, creating welcoming, inclusive destinations where the power of free, live music brings people together and invigorates community life.

Festival Grants

The Levitt Foundation is offering grants of up to $5,000 to U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits presenting free outdoor music festivals in 2026. 

Music Festivals Outdoor Recreation Arts / Culture Access & Participation +1 more

Grants for Performing Arts in Tennessee Highlights

Looking for grants for performing arts in Tennessee?


Read more about each grant below or start your 14-day free trial to see all grants for performing arts in Tennessee recommended for your specific programs.

Grant Insights : Grant Funding Trends in Tennessee

Average Grant Size

What's the typical amount funded for Tennessee?

Grants are most commonly $122,522.

$122,522

Total Number of Grants

What's the total number of grants in Grants for Performing Arts in Tennessee year over year?

In 2024, funders in Tennessee awarded a total of 44,541 grants.

2022 39,759

2023 39,873

2024 44,541

Top Grant Focus Areas

Among all the Grants for Performing Arts in Tennessee given out in Tennessee, the most popular focus areas that receive funding are Education, Human Services, and Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Foundations.

1. Education

2. Human Services

3. Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Foundations

Funding Over Time

How is funding for Grants for Performing Arts in Tennessee changing over time?

Funding has increased by 25.17%.

2022 $3,809,568,961

2023 $4,350,973,827
14.21%

2024 $5,446,107,598
25.17%

Tennessee Counties That Receive the Most Funding

How does grant funding vary by county?

Shelby County, Davidson County, and Knox County receive the most funding.

County Total Grant Funding in 2024
Shelby County $2,664,074,547
Davidson County $1,298,691,246
Knox County $294,292,803
Hamilton County $283,062,013
Henderson County $215,691,648