Best Grants for Theater in Northern Mariana Islands

Early mid-career theater, dance, and performance scholars or artists seeking time to advance new work can use this fellowship for independent projects in the performing arts. Grants from George A and Eliza Gardner Howard Foundation provide US $40,000 to individuals living and working in the U.S. or its territories, including the Northern Mariana Islands.

Theater and other performing arts presenters in the Northern Mariana Islands can receive US $2,000 - US $3,000 to bring touring performers or literary artists to their communities. Grants from Creative West help eligible 501(c)(3) organizations, governments, higher education institutions, and tribal governments cover artist fees, travel, facilities, outreach, and related administrative costs.

The Creation & Development Fund, administered by the National Performance Network, supports the creation and mobility of artistic works that promote racial and cultural justice. It fosters collaboration between artists and communities through financial support, enabling artists to develop meaningful relationships and present their work. The fund emphasizes equity, access, and the importance of public engagement, ensuring that diverse voices are represented while addressing systemic injustices in the arts.

Libraries in the Northern Mariana Islands can receive US $2,500 to develop community-focused programming that strengthens their role as third spaces. The American Library Association’s Peggy Barber Tribute Grant funds program-related costs such as supplies, promotion, staff time, and partner fees for public, academic, K–12, tribal, and special libraries with ALA or ARSL membership, which may include theater or performance initiatives.

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.

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.

The Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Assistance Fund offers crucial financial support and counseling for individuals in the theatrical exhibition and distribution sectors facing health-related challenges. This fund assists with medical expenses, housing emergencies, and essential services like vocational rehabilitation and equipment aid. Eligible applicants must have a minimum of three years in exhibition or five years in distribution. The fund aims to provide a safety net for those impacted by illness, injury, or significant life changes.

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.

The Student Ambassador Program by USITT offers a unique chance for student members to connect with international theatre professionals during the Annual Conference. Participants will engage in meaningful conversations and networking opportunities, including a special luncheon and the International Reception. This program aims to foster collaboration and mentorship among emerging designers and experienced industry leaders, enhancing professional growth within the performing arts community.

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 Founders Concept Development Grants, offered by the Children's Theatre Foundation of America (CTFA), support US non-profit theatres in developing innovative concepts and strategies for engaging young audiences. This initiative emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to enhance the quality of theatre for youth. CTFA encourages artists to explore new ideas while ensuring that all children have access to impactful theatrical experiences. This grant embodies a commitment to fostering creativity and excellence in youth theatre.

The ISF Film Scholarship Program, initiated by the Islamic Scholarship Fund, supports Muslim students pursuing careers in film and media. With scholarships ranging from $3,000 to $5,000, the program aims to enhance Muslim representation in media and counter negative portrayals. Eligible applicants must be full-time students or professionals in relevant fields, maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0. This initiative not only fosters talent but also empowers voices in policy-making and public opinion.

The Joe Salek Scholarship for Theater Arts Trust, administered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports students pursuing a degree in Theatre Arts, including acting, playwriting, and design. Open to high school seniors and college students in the USA, this scholarship requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and full-time enrollment. Renewable for up to one year, it aims to empower the next generation of theater artists by providing essential financial aid for tuition, fees, and living expenses.

The Helen Duranleau-Brennan Theater Scholarship, offered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, supports students pursuing theater studies. Eligible applicants must be graduates from specific Davenport high schools, maintain a 3.0 GPA, and be enrolled in a four-year program or graduate school for theater. This scholarship provides up to $1,000 annually, renewable for up to four years, encouraging students committed to theater-related disciplines and community service.

The Jerry and Martha Taylor Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, supports students from Rock Island County pursuing post-secondary education. With awards of up to $1,000, this scholarship is not renewable and is open to applicants with a minimum GPA of 2.75. Preference is given to students majoring in journalism, theater arts, or special education, or those attending accredited trade schools.

Secondary school theatre educators in the Northern Mariana Islands can access funding through United States Institute for Theatre Technology to support professional development and classroom resources. Grants up to US $500 can cover conference or workshop registration, travel, facilitator stipends, training supplies, software licenses, or instructional equipment for theatre design, technology, management, or production.

Emerging theater and entertainment design professionals in the U.S., including those from the Northern Mariana Islands, can apply for the Sherry Wagner-Henry Board Fellowship, awarding US $3,000 - US $3,500 in board mentorship value. This United Institute for Theatre Technology opportunity supports nonprofit leadership development through board access, conferences, and governance experience.

Northern Mariana Islands theater and arts organizations engaging with Shakespearean performance, education, or scholarship can access funding via Shakespeare Association of America’s Shakespeare Publics Award. This award honors pioneering efforts that foster and sustain broad, diverse Shakespeare publics through teaching, performance, research, or activism; at least one primary collaborator must be an SAA member.

Native-led performing arts organizations, businesses, collectives, and individual Native performing artists in the U.S. can receive US $30,000 for live theater and other performance productions in active development. Grants from First Peoples Fund help groups, including those in Northern Mariana Islands, stage Native-centered plays, tours, and community performances featuring multiple Native artists.

High schools producing plays or musicals that explore diverse perspectives can apply for the Craig Zadan Pathway for Equity in the Arts Grant, awarding US $10,000 to support productions and professional mentors. Schools in the Northern Mariana Islands may be eligible if their 2026–27 theater projects meet the program’s equity and community engagement requirements.

High school seniors in New Jersey’s Morris County pursuing college-level study in dance, drama, visual arts, or music can receive $5,000 toward tuition through the Elaine Ehlers Arts Scholarship. Focused on artistic excellence, this Morris Arts award may benefit theater students seeking support for advanced arts education.

Graduating high school seniors in New Jersey pursuing college-level dance, drama, visual arts, or music studies can receive scholarship support through the Eugenie Coladarci Arts Scholarship. Focused on arts education, Morris Arts invites Morris County student artists to apply; theater students in the Northern Mariana Islands may need to seek other opportunities.

Emerging music critics and arts writers in the U.S. can receive US $5,000 to advance their careers through the Irene Yamamoto Arts Writers Fellowship, focusing on critical writing about music. Theater-focused organizations or programs in Northern Mariana Islands that support early-career music writers may be eligible to encourage applicants connected to their work.

Individual artists, arts organizations, and fiscally sponsored projects creating environmental, climate-focused theater and other art forms can apply for Puffin Foundation’s Environmental Artistic Activism support; awards fund solution-oriented projects. U.S.-based applicants, including those in Northern Mariana Islands, may be eligible if projects prioritize environmental issues and underserved communities and avoid ineligible expenses and AI-generated content.

LRPenn.com is home to the novels, plays, and screenplays of LR Penn. His books specializes in Thrillers, Dramatic Comedies, and Film Noir. Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, grants may be available to nonprofit theater companies in the United States with 501(c)(3) status that are staging productions of plays written by LR Penn.  

Building a global community of creative problem solvers, effective collaborators, and empathetic individuals through theatre

Our Mission and Goals

The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF) is the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA).

ETF advances the field of educational theatre by broadening representation and increasing access for all. ETF’s programs aim to support students, educators and the field at large by realizing three strategic goals:

• Subsidizing new, emerging, and underserved student theatre programs;
• Creating paths for theatre educators to develop new skills; and
• Commissioning research to showcase the value of a theatre education.

Educator & Program Grants

Giving school theatre programs a boost

The Thespian Growth & Excellence Fund is committed to supporting the ongoing development of theatre programs and the pursuit of excellence for educators, students, schools, and communities by offering a number of grants that assist in EdTA membership, teacher support, and programmatic resources for theatre in schools.

By the end of 2024, the Thespian Growth and Excellence Fund has awarded 349 grants to 276 schools, totaling $286,167 in assistance provided to school theatre programs, many at schools with Title 1 designations.

Equipment Upgrade (up to $5,000)

Can be awarded to help school theatre programs with large technical purchases that upgrade the resources available for theatrical use, such as lighting and sound equipment.

The EdTA Thespian Growth & Excellence Grants support theatre programs by providing financial assistance for troupe expenses, including travel to professional productions and participation in state conferences. Founded by the Educational Theatre Foundation, these grants aim to enhance educational theatre access and representation. By the end of 2024, 349 grants totaling over $286,000 will have been awarded, benefiting schools with Title 1 designations and empowering students and educators in their creative pursuits.