Best Grants for Performing Arts in Massachusetts

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services programs, including those in Massachusetts, can seek support for new approaches to social problems. Creag Foundation supports smaller or evolving organizations rethinking human and social services. Grants are by invitation only, but eligible groups may submit a letter of inquiry to be considered.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology to tackle education, crisis response, economic empowerment, or climate resilience challenges may be eligible for Global Impact Cash Grants in Massachusetts and worldwide. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help programs serving predominantly economically underserved communities scale innovative, tech-enabled solutions, with awards up to US $100,000 and applications accepted year-round via an initial LOI.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million that provide direct social services can seek more than US $100,000 to support programs, capital needs, or general operations that reduce chronic poverty and build economic independence. The William Randolph Hearst Foundation favors large, U.S.-based organizations, including those whose social service work intersects with youth development or community arts engagement.

Performing arts and arts education nonprofits in Massachusetts seeking project-based support for music, opera, performance, and media arts can apply for grants of US $2,500 - US $50,000. Grants from Mattina R. Proctor Foundation help organizations deliver performances and educational programs, especially those serving traditionally underserved communities.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Performing arts and other accredited charities in Massachusetts can seek funding for cultural projects, youth education, community development, humanitarian work, and environmental initiatives. Grants from La Roche help organizations worldwide deliver innovative, high-quality programs that promote sustainable development and can actively involve Roche expertise, logistics, and employees in cultural, educational, and social activities.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving underserved youth ages 6–21 can apply for the William E Schrafft & Bertha E Schrafft Charitable Trust’s program or general operating support, especially for academic enrichment, youth development, and arts programming. Performing arts organizations in Boston or New Bedford that meet these criteria may be eligible, particularly small to medium, community-based groups.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in Massachusetts seeking support for environmental or human services programs can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000. Grants from Lawrence Foundation help fund general operating or program/project needs, and performing arts organizations may be eligible if their work fits these priorities.

Nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts offering performing arts or other community programs can apply for US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support their work. Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation funds museums, cultural and performing arts, education, health facilities, environmental and wildlife efforts, and community-based services across the U.S., including Massachusetts groups with impactful projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts offering youth development, academic enrichment, or arts programming, including performing arts, can apply for program or general operating support from the William E Schrafft & Bertha E Schrafft Charitable Trust. With a mission to foster underserved youths’ intellectual, personal, and artistic growth, the Trust prioritizes small to medium, community-based groups in Boston and New Bedford.

Massachusetts-based artists and community organizations creating public art projects in Massachusetts that cultivate spatial justice can apply for New England Foundation for the Arts’ Public Art for Spatial Justice grants, offering US $15,000 - US $30,000. Performing arts projects that engage public space, center community, and disrupt harmful narratives may be especially competitive.

Massachusetts performing arts nonprofits, schools, tribal governments, and public agencies can access funding for touring performances, readings, and screenings through the New England States Touring (NEST) program. Grants from New England Foundation for the Arts provide up to US $15,000 toward artist fees for multi-site tours and community engagement across New England.

Massachusetts nonprofit and municipal performing arts centers presenting eligible touring shows or artists can receive funding to help cover touring artist or show fees. Grants from Mass Cultural Council help Massachusetts performing arts venues stay competitive with resort-style casinos and strengthen community access to live arts across the state.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides Massachusetts performing arts and community nonprofits with funding for cultural enrichment, arts education, and access for underserved audiences. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations must align with its Meeting Basic Needs, Supporting Community Vitality, or Volunteer-Driven Causes focus areas and serve clients in the U.S., with priority for strong Ameriprise volunteer engagement.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Malden and surrounding Massachusetts communities can apply for Adelaide Breed Bayrd Foundation grants to support culture, education, healthcare, social services, and youth or elderly programs. Performing arts and cultural organizations that clearly benefit Malden residents may be eligible, with a preference for capital improvements over operating deficits.

Greater Worcester Community Foundation

Run by the people, for the people, the Foundation is unique as a citizen-run model of philanthropy dedicated to enhancing the community as a whole, now and in the future, rather than just one sector or cause. The Foundation is unique in its capacity to unite people from diverse sectors in influencing and effecting positive change throughout Worcester County.

Greater Worcester Community Foundation is central Massachusetts’ leading community foundation, employing its expertise and resources to address the region’s most urgent needs. Mission: To enhance our community, now and in the future, through philanthropic leadership. Vision: The communities of greater Worcester are valued and attractive because of the well-being of our citizens.

Arts Programming in Public Libraries Grants

In celebration of our 50th anniversary, Greater Worcester Community Foundation is pleased to offer this grant opportunity exclusively to public libraries in Worcester County.

This grant program seeks to both elevate the arts and uplift the essential role libraries play in building community cohesion by making arts and culture experiences available to children, youth and families.

By bringing creative expression, visual/performing arts, and cultural programming into their spaces, libraries can engage communities, provide hands-on learning, and foster creativity.

Nonprofits, government entities, and individual artists in Massachusetts can receive funding for cultural heritage events and public arts programming in Chelsea, including performances, festivals, and community celebrations. Grants from City of Chelsea help cover programming costs, equipment rentals, accessibility services, marketing, insurance, venue fees, and food for public, Chelsea-focused arts and culture activities, up to US $15,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) arts and culture organizations, including those in Massachusetts, can apply for Hansen Family Foundation grants of US $1,000 - US $10,000 to support artistic and cultural endeavors. With a mission to advance life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, this funder also considers projects in education, children’s services, humanitarian aid, animals, and the environment.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Massachusetts arts, humanities, and science organizations planning public cultural activities can access funding through Mass Cultural Council, with awards of US $2,500 - US $5,000. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, for-profits, government entities, Pre-K–12 schools, and unincorporated groups, including those offering performing arts, festivals, residencies, education, or other community-focused creative experiences.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts serving youth and families can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000 for community-focused programs. Eligible projects may include youth education, housing support, food security, or environmental stewardship that could complement performing arts or arts-based youth initiatives.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.