Best Grants for Dance Nonprofit Organizations in Washington

Women-identifying individual artists in the U.S. creating in-progress environmental art projects, including dance-related work, can apply for up to US $20,000 to complete a project phase with free public engagement. Focused on ecological and social ethics, New York Foundation for the Arts supports themes like regeneration, eco-social engagement, and climate change through the Anonymous Was A Woman Environmental Art Grants.

Nonprofit arts and cultural institutions in Washington with audited expenses over $2 million can seek more than US $100,000 to support programs, capital needs, or limited general support that engage broad audiences. Grants from William Randolph Hearst Foundation help U.S. organizations in ballet, dance, museums, and other cultural fields, especially those serving youth and nurturing artistic talent.

Theresa Alessandra Russo Foundation Inc

The Theresa Foundation honors the memory of Theresa Alessandra Russo by touching the lives of children with special needs and their families. The Foundation fosters each child’s unique abilities by supporting programs focusing on art, music, dance, drama, and recreation.

The Theresa Foundation has a vision of the world where artistic expression and physical recreation are just as important to adults as they are to children. We believe in a world where every child, regardless of ability or challenging conditions, is free to communicate through and participate in every art or recreational activity. A society without art is a society without soul. Art enables us to express our inner thoughts, fears, joys, and sadness.  

The Theresa Foundation Grant Program

The Theresa Foundation Grant Program is committed to providing financial support for programs in art, music, dance, drama, or recreation that are designed specifically for children with special needs in order to ensure that no one is excluded from these activities. 

We believe that every individual should have the opportunity to participate in art, music, dance, drama or recreation if they so choose. Our grant program works to provide direct funding for the success of these activities, while also promoting an environment of acceptance and inclusiveness where all can take part without judgment or fear. 

As of 2026, the Theresa Foundation has provided over $3,300,000 in grant funding for over 200 programs in 29 states throughout the country and 4 international grants. With your help we can continue to make a difference in the lives of those with special needs by providing them access to enriching experiences that would otherwise be out of reach. 

Dance and physical education professionals in Washington who are SHAPE America members can be honored for lifetime scholarly work in measurement and evaluation. Grants from Society of Health and Physical Educators recognize substantial, long-term contributions to theory and practice in health, physical education, and dance-related measurement and evaluation across the U.S.

Dance and sports educators in Washington promoting opportunities for girls and women in sport can apply for the NAGWS Legacy Award, which provides US $1,000 for projects like research, after-school programs, or professional development. With a mission to advance health and physical education, SHAPE America supports members’ work that honors this legacy.

U.S.-based dance presenters, curators, residency directors, and current NDP artist grantees planning NDP-funded tours, including those serving Washington, can receive up to US $500 for domestic travel to support tour planning. Grants from New England Foundation for the Arts help cover in-person meetings, site visits, and relationship-building that advance National Dance Project works.

Graduate students in health, physical education, recreation, or dance can receive US $1,750 to support their studies through this national scholarship, including applicants from Washington. With a mission to advance professional practice, Society of Health and Physical Educators provides high-achieving SHAPE America members with funding and a three-year membership based on GPA, leadership, and service.

Undergraduate juniors and seniors in Washington studying dance, physical education, health, or recreation can receive US $1,250 to support their education through the Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship. Focused on advancing health and physical education, Society of Health and Physical Educators invites SHAPE America student members to apply based on academics, leadership, and service.

Washington children and adults with cystic fibrosis seeking support for dance, horseback riding, swimming, or golf can apply for Loretta Morris Memorial Grants, with awards up to US $750. Funding from BreatheStrong CF is paid directly to the activity provider, helping eligible individuals stay active and engaged in physical activities.

Native performing artists and Native-led performing arts organizations in Washington can receive US $30,000 to produce live performances, including dance, theater, and other stage work. Grants from First Peoples Fund help U.S.-based Native creators in active production stages, supporting multi-artist live events that may benefit dance-focused nonprofits and collectives.

High school seniors in New Jersey pursuing dance, drama, visual arts, or music studies can apply for the Elaine Ehlers Arts Scholarship, awarding US $5,000 for college or arts program tuition. Focused on arts education, Arts Council of the Morris Area invites students dedicated to furthering their artistic training to submit work samples for review.

High school seniors in New Jersey’s Morris County pursuing dance, drama, visual arts, or music studies can receive $1,500 toward tuition through the Eugenie Coladarci Arts Scholarship. Focused on supporting young artists’ training and development, this Morris Arts award may benefit students involved in educational dance programs, including those connected to Washington-based dance nonprofits.

Professional performing ensembles, dance companies, and contemporary music institutions in Washington and beyond can seek general operating or project support for performances of living American classical concert music. With a mission to advance contemporary American composers, the Alice M. Ditson Fund provides support to organizations (or those with 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsors) presenting younger and lesser-known composers’ work.

Graduate students from eligible Asian countries pursuing full-time arts or cultural degree programs in the U.S., including those studying dance in Washington, can receive US $15,000 for one academic year to cover travel and living expenses. Grants from Asian Cultural Council help support coursework-based study and connect fellows to a global arts community.

Individual dance artists, scholars, and arts professionals in eligible Asian countries or the U.S. can seek Asian Cultural Council support for self-directed research and cultural exchange travel outside their home country. Focused on artistic and cultural immersion, this fellowship may benefit Washington-based dance practitioners whose work involves international collaboration and study.

Dance artists, choreographers, and other arts professionals from eligible Asian countries can pursue a six‑month cultural immersion fellowship in New York City and across the U.S., including Washington, to deepen their practice and research. Focused on artistic exploration and peer learning, Asian Cultural Council supports visits to institutions, performances, workshops, and individualized mentorship throughout the program.

Early mid-career individual artists and scholars in dance, theater, and performance studies can receive US $40,000 fellowships to devote substantial time to new creative or scholarly work while living and working in the U.S. or its territories. Grants from George A and Eliza Gardner Howard Foundation may benefit Washington-based dance practitioners advancing independent projects.

The Shubert Foundation is the largest funder in the U.S. providing unrestricted grants to not-for-profit theatres and dance companies. It focuses on supporting professional dance organizations that demonstrate artistic activity, community service, and fiscal responsibility. The foundation emphasizes equity, diversity, and inclusion in its grant-making process, with a commitment to evaluating organizations based on their impact and contributions to the field. Funding is limited to U.S. organizations with established track records.

Tara Lynn Clossman Memorial Fund

Established by the Clossman family and many others in memory of Tara Clossman, who passed away suddenly in 2016 at the age of 25, to provide postsecondary scholarships to Akron City School District high school seniors pursuing a career in dance or education.

Amount:

• Varies ($1,000 minimum)

Number of awards:

• Varies

Renewal:

• No

Washington County Community Foundation

The Washington County Community Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life in Washington County by promoting and facilitating philanthropy. We accomplish this by assuming four philanthropic roles of Grantmaker, Donor Service Organization, Fundraiser, and Community Leader. Fostering philanthropy by offering charitable gifting opportunities to donors on an individualized basis and at reasonable fees, we make charitable giving easier, more satisfying, and more effective. 

The Foundation is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation organized under the laws of Pennsylvania, which is registered with the Pennsylvania Charities Bureau and annually files the Federal Form 990.

Scholarships for Post-Secondary (Undergraduate) School

The Foundation provides both need-based and merit-based scholarships to students in Washington County, with a few scholarships also available to students in Greene County. All scholarships are made payable to the educational institution the student is attending. 

Carol L. Berthold Scholarship Fund for Dance

For a current year graduating senior who is pursuing a degree in dance at an accredited post-secondary educational institution and demonstrates both financial need and academic excellence. The award is renewable annually, provided the recipient remains enrolled in the dance program and in good academic standing (as defined by the institution).

Shawnee Fine Arts Club Scholarship

Provides a scholarship to graduating seniors of Shawnee High School, Liberty Academy, or home-schooled residents of Shawnee, Oklahoma with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7. Student must be accepted into the university of their choice, majoring in music, visual arts, dance, or drama.

Our Mission

Empower donors to fulfill their passions and dreams by establishing charitable vehicles designed to create a positive and enduring impact on Jewish Buffalo, Western New York and the World.

Geoff Richter Performing Arts Award

The Geoff Richter Performing Arts Award Committee announces the availability of an Award up to $2,000! The GRPAA was founded in memory of Geoff Richter, Western New York Musician and Educator of the Arts.

About Geoff Richter

A native of Eden, New York, Geoff received his Bachelor of Music degree with a Performer’s Certificate in trumpet and a Master’s with a Performers Fellowship, from the Eastman School of Music.

Geoff played trumpet professionally with the Rochester, San Antonio, and Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestras and Niagara Falls, Binghamton, Chautauqua, Orchard Park, Clarence, Cheektowaga, and Amherst Symphony Orchestras. He co-founded the Buffalo Brass Quintet, the Buffalo Niagara Concert Band, and The Frankfurters, an internationally known Bavarian show band. He also acted as the summer/pops conductor of the Erie County Wind Ensemble and the Amherst Symphony Orchestra.

After retiring from a long career at Williamsville North High School, Geoff started working part time as director of the orchestra for musicals at St. Joseph Collegiate Institute. He also worked with the Mount Saint Mary Academy band and recruited and directed the orchestra for the annual school musical.

The NAACP X Society Awards Scholarship

The NAACP x Society Awards Scholarship is one of many funding opportunities available to students through NAACP's Inspire Initiatives. We offer scholarships to outstanding and qualified students pursuing undergraduate degrees. Through the generosity of our donors, we advance efforts to ensure equity in educational opportunity that prepares students for success in school, work, and life.

Scholarship amount: $1,000 to $5,000

This is a non-renewable scholarship opportunity.

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 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 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 SHAPE America: Joy of Effort Award recognizes dedicated individuals who exemplify the spirit of commitment and passion in health and physical education. Awardees are current SHAPE America members with at least three years of membership, demonstrating excellence in teaching, coaching, or leadership. This prestigious award celebrates those who have made significant contributions to the field, inspiring others to lead healthy, active lives through their efforts in education and advocacy.