Best Grants for Performing Arts in Maine

Individual performing artists and artist collectives in Maine can apply for the Maine Arts Commission’s merit-based fellowship, awarding US $5,000 to advance their performing arts careers. Eligible applicants are Maine residents 25 or older working in live performance disciplines such as theatre, dance, music, scenic design, opera, or script writing.

Maine performing arts nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status can seek project-based support for music, opera, arts performance, and related education programs. Maine performing arts organizations can access funding through Mattina R. Proctor Foundation, which awards US $2,500 - US $50,000 for initiatives that bring fine music, arts, and media to local communities.

Maine-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, tribal governments, and public agencies presenting performing arts can apply for New England Foundation for the Arts’ New England States Touring grants, with awards up to US $15,000 for artist fees. Funding supports public performances, readings, screenings, and community engagement with regional, national, or international artists on multi-stop New England tours.

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Full-Time Associates

Regions supports organizations important to our associates through the Regions Matching Gifts Program. This program, which is open for use for all full-time Regions associates, affiliate associates and recent retirees, allows you to make an even greater difference to your favorite charities by doubling your tax-deductible contributions to these organizations. 

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. 

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.

Maine performing arts students planning to study music or the arts at a U.S. post-secondary school may be eligible for the Jean T. Grant Scholarship, which awards US $1,000. Graduating high school seniors from Columbus City Schools with at least a 3.0 GPA who pursue these fields can access funding through the Columbus Foundation.

Performing arts and entertainment professionals facing unexpected critical financial need can receive emergency help with basic living expenses through this program, including those connected to Maine. Focused on crisis relief, Entertainment Community Fund invites eligible current or former Oregon Shakespeare Festival employees to apply for assistance with housing, utilities, health care, or disaster-related costs.

Maine 501(c)(3) nonprofits presenting performing arts through free outdoor music festivals can access funding via the Mortimer and Mimi Levitt Foundation. Grants up to US $5,000 support 2026 festivals that activate outdoor spaces, expand arts access, and bring communities together across the U.S.

Maine performing arts and arts education organizations may be eligible if they work with Carroll County, Ohio students pursuing aviation, art education, or fine and performing arts study. Maine performing arts groups can access funding through Stark Community Foundation’s Melvin L. and Frances E. Tolson Scholarship Trust Fund, which provides more than US $500 for higher or vocational education.

Performing and visual arts students pursuing higher education, including those from Maine, can apply for the O'Shea Patrick McCarthy Scholarship to support full-time study at accredited 2- or 4-year institutions. Focused on education and the arts, Legacy Foundation offers renewable awards of US $1,000, paid directly to schools or for book reimbursement.

American Indian and Alaska Native vocational, undergraduate, and graduate students in fields like performing arts, fine arts, film, and related disciplines can apply for Native Forward Scholars Fund’s Hillman Barnett Adkins Endowed Fund Scholarship; awards $100 to $30,000 per year for study at accredited U.S. institutions, including those in Maine. Applicants must demonstrate Tribal affiliation and meet GPA requirements.

American Indian and Alaska Native female graduate students in fields like performing, visual, or literary arts can receive US $100 - US $30,000 in need-based support for full-time study, including those from Maine. Grants from Native Forward Scholars Fund help students who can document Tribal affiliation through a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

Performing arts nonprofits and fiscally sponsored projects in Maine presenting contemporary American concert music or jazz can apply for the ACFM Project Support Program, with awards of US $2,000 - US $20,000 for special projects. Eligible activities include live performances, recordings or livestreams, festivals, artist residencies, and related professional or artist support programs.

Performing arts nonprofits with at least two years of professional-level programming in contemporary American concert music or jazz can receive unrestricted general support for eligible activities. Focused on music and performing arts, the Aaron Copland Fund for Music invites organizations, including those in Maine, to apply for US $2,000 - US $20,000 to strengthen their ongoing work.

Graduating high school seniors and college students pursuing visual or performing arts degrees can receive scholarship support through the Burrell Family Scholarship, administered by Crown Point Community Foundation. While based in South Lake County, this arts-focused funding may benefit Maine performing arts students who meet the residency and field-of-study criteria.

Graduating high school seniors involved in theatre who are pursuing performing arts or other postsecondary study can receive scholarship support for accredited colleges, universities, or trade schools. With a mission to enrich community life, Crown Point Community Foundation uses a single application to match eligible students to the Marion Kellum Performing Arts Scholarship and many related awards, which may benefit Maine students meeting these criteria.

Maine students planning to study performing arts, design, architecture, fine art, or construction management can apply for the Walter Blackburn Scholarship to cover eligible higher-education expenses. Preference is given to Marion County public school and/or minority students, and awards from Central Indiana Community Foundation must be used at accredited postsecondary institutions.

High school seniors and college students pursuing performing arts degrees in Beaufort County can receive post-secondary scholarship support through the Sarah Creech Performing Arts Scholarship. Community Foundation of the Lowcountry provides Maine performing arts organizations a point of reference, but only Beaufort County residents with a minimum 3.0 GPA are eligible to apply.

Maine performing arts students may be eligible for the Partners in Arts Scholarship if they are Smith County, Texas graduating seniors active in visual or performing arts and planning an arts major at any U.S. college. Focused on arts education, East Texas Communities Foundation offers this one-year, US $1,000 award for tuition, fees, room and board, or supplies.

Maine performing arts students seeking college funding can access support through the R. Don Cowan Music & Performing Arts Scholarship, which awards US $5,000 for studies in music, musical theater, or dance. Administered by East Texas Communities Foundation, it supports graduating seniors and current college students attending any U.S. college and pursuing music or performing arts.

Maine performing arts and media arts students enrolled full-time at one of the 37 UNCF member HBCUs may be eligible for scholarship support to study communications, mass media arts, music, or performing arts. The United Negro College Fund offers the John Lennon Endowed Scholarship, awarding up to US $5,000 to U.S. nationals or permanent residents with financial need and a 3.0 GPA.

Maine performing arts and communications students enrolled at UNCF-member colleges can access funding through United Negro College Fund’s Michael Jackson Scholarship for the 2025–26 academic year. U.S. nationals or permanent residents with at least a 3.0 GPA may receive up to US $4,000 in one-time tuition assistance based on financial need.