Best Grants for Dance Nonprofit Organizations in Pennsylvania

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Pennsylvania focused on dance, other arts, literacy, children, social justice, or the environment can seek project or program funding, typically up to US $5,000. Grants from Nora Roberts Foundation help eligible groups, with a preference for local counties, cover program needs and related operating costs that support their activities.

Women-identifying individual artists in the U.S., including those working in dance or performance in Pennsylvania, can apply for New York Foundation for the Arts’ Anonymous Was A Woman Environmental Art Grants, with awards up to US $20,000. Grants support in-progress environmental art projects with free public engagement, to be completed or advanced between August 2025 and August 2026.

Pennsylvania arts and cultural nonprofits offering programs in dance, ballet, and related disciplines can access funding through the William Randolph Hearst Foundation to support impactful arts and science programming. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) institutions with audited expenses over $2 million may receive more than US $100,000 for program, capital, or limited general and endowment support that engages large audiences, especially youth.

Health and physical education professionals advancing measurement and evaluation, including those involved in dance-related K–12 programs in Pennsylvania, may be eligible for this honor recognizing outstanding service to SHAPE America’s Measurement and Evaluation SIG. With a mission to advance professional practice and research, Society of Health and Physical Educators provides this national recognition to current SIG members.

Health and physical education professionals advancing measurement and evaluation may be eligible for this national lifetime achievement honor in the U.S. With a mission to advance professional practice and promote research, Society of Health and Physical Educators recognizes SHAPE America members whose scholarly work significantly impacts health, physical education, and related areas, including dance-focused education in places like Pennsylvania.

Current SHAPE America members planning projects that expand opportunities for girls and women in sport can receive US $1,000 for research, professional development, after-school programs, or similar initiatives across the U.S., including Pennsylvania. The Society of Health and Physical Educators presents this annual NAGWS Legacy Award at its National Convention & Exposition.

New and current NDP-supported dance artists, presenters, and curatorial or residency staff in Pennsylvania can receive travel funding to plan tours of National Dance Project works. New England Foundation for the Arts provides up to US $500 for U.S. travel that supports relationship-building, site visits, and advance tour planning for eligible NDP-funded projects.

Pennsylvania graduate students in dance, physical education, health, or recreation can access funding through the Society of Health and Physical Educators’ Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship. Awards of US $1,750 support full-time SHAPE America members with strong academics, leadership, and service. Dance-focused students preparing for careers in education or wellness may be especially competitive.

Undergraduate college juniors and seniors in Pennsylvania majoring in dance, physical education, health, or recreation can apply for the Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship, which awards US $1,250 plus a three-year SHAPE America membership. Focused on academic excellence and leadership, Society of Health and Physical Educators selects outstanding SHAPE America student members nationwide.

Individuals with cystic fibrosis seeking support for dance, horseback riding, swimming, or golf can receive up to US $750 for activity fees, with payments made directly to providers. Focused on active living, BreatheStrong CF invites eligible applicants, including those involved in dance in Pennsylvania, to apply through the Loretta Morris Memorial Grants program.

Native-led performing arts organizations and individual Native performing artists in Pennsylvania can receive US $30,000 for live dance, theater, music, or other performance productions in active development. First Peoples Fund supports U.S.-based Native creators and collectives presenting multi-artist live productions, which may include performances in Native communities or touring Native performance groups.

High school seniors in New Jersey’s Morris County pursuing post-secondary arts studies in dance, drama, visual arts, or music can receive the Elaine Ehlers Arts Scholarship, awarding US $5,000 for tuition. Grants from Arts Council of the Morris Area help students with strong artistic excellence, including dancers, advance their formal arts education.

Pennsylvania dance nonprofit organizations can access funding through the Eugenie Coladarci Arts Scholarship, which supports individual Morris County, New Jersey high school seniors pursuing post-secondary studies in dance and other arts. Administered by Arts Council of the Morris Area, this $1,500 award is paid directly to the student’s chosen college or arts program for tuition.

Pennsylvania professional performing ensembles, dance companies, and contemporary music institutions can seek general operating or project support for work featuring living American classical concert composers. Focused on contemporary classical music, the Alice M. Ditson Fund invites organizations, including those using a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor, to apply for support of performances and projects highlighting younger or under-recognized American composers.

Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) arts and culture organizations, artist collectives, community-based groups, and public institutions can access funding through William Penn Foundation for inclusive arts and culture programming. Eligible projects in Philadelphia and nearby counties, including dance and multidisciplinary arts, must expand equitable access to high-quality creative experiences and improve quality of life for Philadelphia residents.

Graduate students from eligible Asian countries in dance and related arts fields studying full-time in the U.S., including Pennsylvania, can receive US $15,000 for one academic year to cover travel and living expenses. Asian Cultural Council also connects fellows with a global arts community and may renew support for a second year.

Individual dance artists, scholars, and arts professionals in eligible Asian countries or the U.S. can seek Asian Cultural Council’s Individual Fellowship to fund self-directed research and cultural exchange abroad. Focused on arts and cultural immersion, it supports activities like interviews, institutional visits, workshops, and archival research, which may benefit Pennsylvania-based dance practitioners who meet the residency criteria.

The McGraw Foundation offers annual grants to not-for-profit organizations, primarily in the greater Chicago area, focusing on education, conservation, and human services. Grant amounts typically range from $2,000 to $10,000, with larger grants available for particularly impactful projects. While supporting diverse initiatives, the Foundation does not fund individuals or specific events. Organizations must be tax-exempt under IRS regulations to qualify for funding. The Foundation encourages innovative approaches and partnerships in grant applications.

Graduate students in psychomotor measurement and evaluation at U.S. colleges or universities can receive support for professional expenses through this award, including those whose work connects to dance or K–12 physical education in Pennsylvania. With a mission to advance health and physical education, SHAPE America provides this scholarship to members with at least one year of study remaining.

Exceptional health, physical education, dance, or sport professionals in Pennsylvania and nationwide may be honored for long, distinguished service through the Luther Halsey Gulick Award. SHAPE America’s highest recognition is given annually to one long-standing member who has already received a national-level professional award and is widely regarded as a noteworthy leader.

The Helen M. Heitmann Young Scholar Award, presented by SHAPE America, honors young professionals who have made significant contributions to research in curriculum and instruction within health and physical education. Eligible candidates must be current SHAPE America members and have 3 to 6 years of experience post-doctorate. This award emphasizes active involvement and scholarship in the field, encouraging innovative research that enhances educational practices for preK-12 students.

The E.B. Henderson Award, presented by SHAPE America, honors minority members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to scholarship, mentorship, and advocacy for ethnic minorities within health and physical education. Established in 1885, SHAPE America serves over 200,000 professionals, promoting high-quality education standards. The award recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to increasing the participation of underserved populations in the field. Limited to two awards annually, it highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in health education.

The Curriculum and Instruction Honor Award, presented by SHAPE America, recognizes outstanding contributions to health and physical education curriculum research. This prestigious award highlights the importance of effective instructional practices that prepare students for active and healthy lives. Award recipients are selected based on their scholarship in health education and physical education, demonstrating commitment to excellence since the organization's founding in 1885. SHAPE America advocates for quality education and promotes the well-being of preK-12 students across the United States.

The SHAPE America Major of the Year Award recognizes exemplary undergraduate students in health, physical education, recreation, and dance. This prestigious accolade aims to highlight nominees who demonstrate academic excellence and commitment to service within their communities. Faculty members from colleges and universities are encouraged to nominate one outstanding student per major, ensuring that the next generation of health educators is celebrated for their achievements and contributions to the field.

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.

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 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.