Best Grants for Performing Arts in Nebraska

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.

The Regional Touring Grant Program, funded by the Mid-America Arts Alliance, supports organizations in the M-AAA region to showcase touring artists from outside their state. Grants up to $5,000 are available, with organizations eligible for matching funds and the capacity to submit multiple applications. Projects are designed to enhance arts programming and engage underserved audiences through public-facing events, including performances and outreach activities. This initiative aims to foster cultural exchange and deepen community connections through the arts.

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.

The NAC: Arts Projects for the General Public Grant provides funding for various arts and arts education projects, both online and in-person, adhering to health guidelines. With a focus on public accessibility, it supports exhibitions, performances, and new artwork development. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt nonprofits and government entities in Nebraska, requiring a dollar-for-dollar match for funds. Projects should enhance arts opportunities for underserved communities and must be completed within the fiscal year.

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.

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.

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

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.

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. 

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.

The Melvin L. and Frances E. Tolson Scholarship Trust Fund

The Melvin L. and Frances E. Tolson Scholarship Trust Fund was established to assist students who are residents of Carroll County, Ohio in furthering their education with interests in either aviation, art education or fine and performing arts who are enrolled or accepted at a college, university, technical, or vocational school.

Amount:

• Varies. Minimum $500.

Renewable:

• Yes

About Legacy Foundation

Legacy Foundation is the community foundation for Lake County, Indiana. We connect people, knowledge, and funding to build an equitable, accessible, and inclusive Lake County, now and for generations to come.

Legacy Foundation is supported by a broad base of individuals, families, and businesses connected by the desire to improve Lake County, Indiana. With a growing portfolio of over 300 funds and approximately $80 million in assets, Legacy Foundation is a trusted source for philanthropic giving in the region.

For over 30 years, Legacy Foundation has been empowering people, providing strategic leadership, and impactful philanthropic support to create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Mission Statement

Transforming Lake County by providing strategic leadership and impactful philanthropic support to ensure equitable opportunity for all communities that we serve.

Vision Statement

Create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

O'Shea Patrick McCarthy Scholarship

Use the chart below to see which scholarships are the best fit for you! You must complete the Legacy Universal Application to apply.

Scholarship eligibility requires students to attend an accredited 2 or 4 year public or private institution of higher learning. All scholarships are for full-time students, unless otherwise noted. Renewable awards are for 4 years of undergraduate study and cannot be used for post graduate coursework; all awards are paid directly to the school or may be used for book reimbursement.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

Hillman Barnett Adkins Endowed Fund Scholarship

The Hillman Barnett Adkins Endowed Fund is provided in honor of members of the Hillman, Barnett, and Adkins families. The purpose of the Hillman Barnett Adkins Endowed Fund is to provide financial assistance to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native vocational, undergraduate, and graduate students enrolled at an accredited not-for-profit college/university, vocational school, or Tribally controlled college or university (TCU) and pursuing degrees with a focus in Fine Arts (studio arts), Performing Arts (music, drama, musical theater, dance), Creative Writing, Art History, Visual Communication, Photography, Culinary Arts, Film (Cinematography, Screenwriting), or Fashion Design & Jewelry Design.

This opportunity is a merit-based award.

The Elizabeth Furber Scholarship honors the legacy of Elizabeth Furber by providing financial assistance to American Indian and Alaska Native female graduate students. This scholarship supports students pursuing full-time degrees in various fields, including fine arts, music, and creative writing. As a need-based award, it requires applicants to demonstrate Tribal affiliation through a Tribal Eligibility Certificate. This opportunity empowers eligible students to achieve their academic goals.

The ACFM Project Support Program offers funding between $2,000 and $20,000 for special projects that enhance public appreciation of contemporary American concert music and jazz. Eligible applicants include performing ensembles and music organizations with a minimum of two years of programming history. Projects must focus on contemporary works by American composers and can involve live performances, recordings, or educational initiatives. This support is pivotal for fostering innovation and creativity in the American music scene.

The ACFM General Support Program provides funding ranging from $2,000 to $20,000 for organizations committed to contemporary American concert music and jazz. It supports performing ensembles, presenters, and music service organizations that enhance public appreciation of these genres. Eligible applicants must have a minimum of two years of programming history and a professional operational level. Activities must occur within the specified support year of September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2027.

The Burrell Family Scholarship, administered by the Crown Point Community Foundation, supports South Lake County residents pursuing degrees in visual or performing arts. This non-renewable scholarship is aimed at graduating high school seniors and college students, ensuring that the funds reach those who demonstrate a commitment to arts education. The scholarship committee evaluates applications based on specific donor criteria, promoting educational opportunities within the community.

The Marion Kellum Performing Arts Scholarship, administered by the Crown Point Community Foundation, aims to support graduating high school seniors pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts or related degrees. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and documented involvement in at least five theatre productions. This non-renewable scholarship provides essential financial assistance to nurture talent in the performing arts, enhancing the cultural landscape of South Lake County.

The Walter Blackburn Scholarship, established by Alpha Blackburn in memory of her husband, supports Marion County residents pursuing degrees in design, architecture, fine arts, performing arts, or construction management. Eligible students must demonstrate financial need and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Preference is given to public school and minority students. Awards cover educational expenses at accredited institutions, including tuition, fees, and sometimes room and board, fostering educational opportunities in Central Indiana.

The Sarah Creech Performing Arts Scholarship, established in 2013 by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, honors the memory of Sarah Creech. This scholarship aims to support high school seniors and college students from Beaufort County pursuing post-secondary education in the performing arts. With a mission to strengthen community ties and provide educational opportunities, the foundation plays a vital role in enhancing the lives of Lowcountry residents through philanthropic leadership.

The Partners in Arts Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Smith County who have engaged in performing or visual arts and plan to pursue a related major in college. This scholarship highlights the importance of arts education and aims to empower students to achieve their academic goals. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a commitment to the arts and meet specific criteria, ensuring that funding is awarded to deserving candidates.

The R. Don Cowan Music & Performing Arts Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports students pursuing studies in music and performing arts, including musical theater and dance. Applicants must be graduating seniors or current college students from Smith County, with no specific financial need requirement. This scholarship is available for one year and allows recipients to major in any subject while continuing their performing arts education.

The John Lennon Endowed Scholarship, established by Yoko Ono to honor John Lennon, supports students attending UNCF member institutions. This initiative addresses financial need and promotes education among African American youth. With over $65 million awarded annually, UNCF empowers thousands of students, advocating for minority education and community engagement. Eligible applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, complete a FAFSA, and demonstrate unmet financial need. This scholarship plays a crucial role in fostering future leaders.

The Michael Jackson Scholarship, provided by the United Negro College Fund, offers up to $4,000 in financial assistance for Communication and Performing Arts students at UNCF-member colleges during the 2025-26 academic year. This one-time award aims to support students with financial needs, reflecting UNCF's commitment to enhancing minority education and fostering future leaders. With a history of over $5 billion in scholarships, UNCF continues to champion educational opportunities for thousands of students.