Best Grants for Performing Arts in Washington

Nonprofit arts organizations in Washington can apply for J R Simplot Company Foundation grants to support visual and performing arts programming. U.S.-based nonprofits whose primary missions include art, education, youth, community, or global food and agriculture may be eligible, with requests reviewed quarterly.

Performing arts presenters and eligible 501(c)(3) or public organizations in Washington can use this funding to present touring performers and literary artists. Grants from Creative West help Western-region arts and community organizations cover artist fees, travel, facilities, marketing, accessibility, and related administrative costs, with awards of US $2,000 - US $3,000 and a 1:1 cash match for most applicants.

About American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF)The American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) promotes firsthand exchange of intellectual and creative influence between the United States and the Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. ASF offers fellowships, cultural grants, internships/training, publications, exhibitions and other public programs reinforcing the strong relationships between the two regions, honoring their shared values, and appreciating their differences.ASF Public Projects GrantThe American-Scandinavian Foundation promotes the cultures of the Nordic countries in the United States and American culture in the Nordic countries by encouraging programs that will enhance public appreciation of culture, art, and thought. In establishing priorities, the Foundation considers the lasting benefits that may be achieved by any grant and favors projects where its contribution will complement support from other sources. 

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

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.

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.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Washington presenting free outdoor music festivals can apply for Levitt Festival Grants, with awards up to US $5,000. Focused on live performing arts in outdoor spaces, the Mortimer and Mimi Levitt Foundation supports U.S.-based groups expanding access to inclusive, community-building music events.

Students pursuing aviation, art education, or fine and performing arts can receive higher education funding through the Melvin L. and Frances E. Tolson Scholarship Trust Fund, with awards of more than US $500. Stark Community Foundation supports residents of Carroll County, Ohio, so Washington performing arts organizations may share this with eligible students from that area.

High school and college-bound performing and visual arts students, including those in Washington, can apply for Legacy Foundation’s O'Shea Patrick McCarthy Scholarship; awards US $1,000 for accredited 2- or 4-year study. Funding supports full-time undergraduate education, paid directly to schools or used for book reimbursement through the universal application.

Washington performing arts students who are American Indian or Alaska Native can access funding through Native Forward Scholars Fund to support vocational, undergraduate, or graduate study in fields like music, drama, musical theater, and dance. Eligible applicants must study full-time at accredited U.S. institutions and demonstrate Tribal affiliation or descent.

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 in the U.S., including Washington. Native Forward Scholars Fund’s Elizabeth Furber Scholarship supports fine, visual, media, and literary arts, music, dance, crafts, creative writing, and poetry for students with documented Tribal affiliation.

Performing arts nonprofits and fiscally sponsored projects in Washington presenting contemporary American concert music or jazz can seek funding for special projects and initiatives. Aaron Copland Fund for Music supports professional ensembles, presenters, service organizations, and record companies with US $2,000 - US $20,000 for performances, recordings, residencies, archives, and related public-engagement activities.

Performing arts nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups in Washington presenting contemporary American concert music or jazz can seek general operating support through this program. Grants from Aaron Copland Fund for Music help professional ensembles, presenters, festivals, record companies, and music service organizations with US $2,000 - US $20,000 in unrestricted funding for eligible programming and related activities.

Graduating high school seniors and college students pursuing visual or performing arts degrees who are South Lake County residents can apply for the Burrell Family Scholarship. Washington performing arts students with ties to South Lake County may be eligible. The scholarship is administered by Crown Point Community Foundation and is non-renewable.

Graduating high school seniors active in theatre who are pursuing performing arts or related degrees can receive scholarship support, including for Bachelor of Fine Arts programs, through the Marion Kellum Performing Arts Scholarship. Crown Point Community Foundation administers this non-renewable award, which may benefit Washington students seeking higher education in theatre and performing arts.

Students pursuing degrees in design, architecture, fine art, performing arts, or construction management can receive scholarship support for higher education from Central Indiana Community Foundation. With a mission to build opportunity, the foundation provides need-based awards for tuition and other educational expenses, which may benefit performing arts students in Washington who meet the residency and academic criteria.

High school seniors in southern Beaufort County and Beaufort County college students pursuing performing arts degrees can apply for the Sarah Creech Performing Arts Scholarship, a post-secondary education award. Offered by Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, this national listing may interest Washington performing arts advocates helping eligible students connect with scholarships.

Graduating high school seniors in Smith County active in performing or visual arts who plan to major in the arts can receive US $1,000 in college support from East Texas Communities Foundation. Funding is for one year and may cover tuition, fees, room and board, or books and supplies at any U.S. college.

Graduating high school seniors and current college students pursuing music or performing arts studies can apply for East Texas Communities Foundation’s R. Don Cowan Music & Performing Arts Scholarship, awarding US $5,000 for college costs. Smith County, Texas students in music, musical theater, or dance programs may find this scholarship relevant alongside other performing arts opportunities beyond Washington.

Grants from United Negro College Fund help Washington performing arts students at UNCF member HBCUs access up to US $5,000 in scholarship support. Eligible applicants are U.S. nationals or permanent residents majoring in music, performing arts, communications, or related fields, enrolled full-time with a 3.0 GPA and demonstrated financial need.

U.S. communication and performing arts students attending a UNCF-member HBCU can receive up to US $4,000 for tuition and related college costs through the Michael Jackson Scholarship. With a mission to support minority higher education, United Negro College Fund provides this one-time 2025–26 award, which may benefit Washington-based students meeting GPA and residency requirements.

High school seniors planning to major or minor in performing arts can receive scholarship support for higher education, including those from Washington programs seeking performing arts funding. Four County Community Foundation’s George S. Souten Performing Arts Scholarship awards US $1,000 to seniors from specific Michigan high schools with a strong performing arts background and an essay response.

Professional performing arts and entertainment workers in Washington facing unexpected critical need can receive emergency financial assistance for basic living expenses like housing, utilities, and health care. Focused on supporting stability in the arts, Entertainment Community Fund requires documented industry earnings over recent years, with specific income thresholds for performers, older professionals, and freelance dancers.

The IATSE Local 600: Traditional Hardship Fund Grant provides emergency financial assistance to performing arts and entertainment professionals in times of unexpected need. This grant supports basic living expenses like healthcare and housing, aiming to prevent eviction or shut-offs. Eligible members must have been in good standing for at least two years and have faced work loss due to illness or disasters. The fund ensures support during critical times, promoting stability within the community.

The Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF) is a nonprofit organization established in 1948, dedicated to enhancing public appreciation of music. It offers free, live music programs across the United States and Canada, ensuring access to quality musical experiences for diverse communities. Funded by royalties from major record labels, the MPTF collaborates with local arts organizations to promote music education and performance, enriching lives through the power of music at no cost to attendees.