Best Grants for Dance Nonprofit Organizations in New York

Harkness Foundation for Dance

The Harkness Foundation for Dance is a private grant-making foundation dedicated to invigorating and supporting the dance art form, predominantly in New York City. Since its inception the Foundation has contributed significantly to the dance field, extending grants to over 660 organizations and fiscally-sponsored artists. The Harkness Board of Trustees meets three times annually to consider proposals. The Foundation stands in solidarity with social and racial justice work in the dance field, and we are committed to ongoing evaluation of equitable practices in our grantmaking.

There are four major areas of support:

• Dance creation
• Dance presentation
• Dance education
• Dance medicine/other services to the dance field

Project Grants

Project grants provide targeted support for specific projects. Pilot projects and collaborative projects involving multiple organizations may also be considered.

The NYSCA Support for Artists Grant offers vital funding to artists in New York State, promoting the development of new work across various artistic disciplines. This grant is designed to enhance diverse artistic voices, encourage significant growth in individual artists, and strengthen collaborations with sponsoring organizations. Prequalification is mandatory for nonprofit applicants, ensuring a streamlined process for those seeking to elevate their creative endeavors. Artists are invited to apply through sponsoring organizations to receive support for their innovative projects.

The Harkness Foundation for Dance Grant supports the dance art form in New York City through various initiatives, including program and project grants. It has significantly contributed to over 660 organizations and artists, promoting equity in its funding approach. The Foundation focuses on dance creation, presentation, education, and related services, while prioritizing organizations with non-profit status. Grants are awarded annually, fostering a vibrant dance community and addressing social justice within the field.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The Anonymous Was A Woman Environmental Art Grants offer up to $20,000 for environmental art projects led by women-identifying artists in the U.S. and territories. Focused on themes like regeneration and eco-social engagement, the grants encourage projects that address ecological issues through ethical engagement. For the 2025 cycle, over $520,000 will be distributed, doubling previous funding. Eligible applicants must be 18+, lead artists, and not enrolled in degree programs during the grant term.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Oliver G. & Sarah Sloan Bauman Fund for the Arts, established in 1996, aims to perpetuate the appreciation of fine arts, particularly classical ballet and opera. Grants are awarded to 501(c)(3) organizations in Western New York, focusing on performances that preserve traditional compositions. The fund prioritizes Tier 1 for ballet and opera, and Tier 2 for high-quality classical performances by responsible nonprofits. It reflects a legacy of cultural enrichment through artistic expression.

The Measurement and Evaluation Honor Award recognizes exceptional contributions by a SHAPE America professional towards the Measurement and Evaluation SIG's mission. This prestigious accolade celebrates those who advance health and physical education practices, inspiring educators to enhance student well-being. Eligibility requires current membership in SHAPE America and the Measurement and Evaluation SIG, ensuring that only dedicated professionals are honored. This award embodies the commitment to fostering excellence in educational environments, ultimately aiming to prepare all children to lead active, healthy lives.

The Measurement and Evaluation Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a distinguished SHAPE America professional who has significantly impacted measurement and evaluation in health and physical education. This prestigious award highlights the importance of scholarly achievement and the influence of national standards in enhancing educational practices. It aims to honor those who have dedicated their careers to improving the quality of health and physical education, ultimately promoting healthier lifestyles for students across the nation.

The National Girls and Women in Sports (NAGWS) Legacy Award, established by SHAPE America, honors exemplary contributions to increasing opportunities for women in sports. This annual award recognizes current SHAPE America members who submit impactful proposals related to women's sports, with a monetary prize of $1000. The award will be presented at the National Convention & Exposition, with a special deadline of November 1st. Nominations can include various initiatives aimed at empowering women in sports.

The National Dance Project (NDP) Travel Fund offers financial support to U.S.-based presenters, curatorial staff, and residency directors, as well as current NDP artist grantees. This fund facilitates in-person engagements to assess the feasibility of presenting NDP-funded projects. Established over 30 years ago, NDP has invested more than $38.5 million in dance initiatives, promoting the creation and touring of new works while fostering relationships within the arts community.

The CUNY Dance Initiative (CDI) provides New York City choreographers and dance companies with essential resources like rehearsal time and performance space across 14 CUNY campuses. This residency program aims to support local artists, enrich the cultural life of college students, and create new dance audiences. Eligible applicants include independent choreographers and professional companies with at least three years of professional experience. The initiative fosters collaboration between the city's vibrant dance community and educational institutions.

The Dance Advancement Fund, supported by the Howard Gilman Foundation and Ford Foundation, aims to empower dance-making organizations in the NYC area with budgets between $25,000-$250,000. Grants range from $6,000 to $40,000 over two years, fostering artistic growth and professional development from September 2024 to August 2026. Eligible applicants must have at least three years of local dance-making experience, demonstrate a commitment to diversity, and provide proof of 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsorship.

The Dance Workforce Resilience (DWR) Fund, established by Dance/NYC, provides one-time grants of $1,000 to support freelance dancers in the NYC area. With a total of $324,000 available, this fund aims to assist over 320 dancers who have completed contracted work between January 1, 2025, and April 30, 2026. Eligibility includes being 18 or older and residing in the metropolitan NYC area. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until March 2026.

Funded by the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA), this money is for arts and cultural projects that contribute to creative experiences for audiences in Brooklyn. The best proposals share how the project will impact the cultural life of their audience and community.

In 2026, Brooklyn Arts Fund distributed $625,000 to 136 projects across Brooklyn.

The Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship, established by SHAPE America, honors outstanding graduate students in health and physical education. Awarded annually since 1995, it recognizes two graduate recipients based on academic excellence and leadership. Along with financial support, winners receive a three-year SHAPE America membership, enhancing their professional network. This scholarship underscores the organization's commitment to advancing health education and supporting future leaders in the field.

The Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship is awarded annually by SHAPE America to honor outstanding undergraduate and graduate students in health and physical education. Established in 1995, this scholarship supports three undergraduate and two graduate recipients. Candidates must be SHAPE America members, majoring in relevant fields, and demonstrate academic excellence and leadership. In addition to financial support, recipients receive a three-year membership to SHAPE America, fostering a commitment to health education and physical activity.

The Loretta Morris Memorial Grants support individuals with cystic fibrosis in California who wish to engage in physical activities such as swimming, horseback riding, dance, or golf. Established in memory of Loretta Morris, this fund aims to help recipients enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle. Applications are welcomed from both children and adults, promoting inclusivity and well-being within the CF community. Note that certain items, like memberships or accessories, are not eligible for funding.

The Native Performing Arts Live Production Grant (LPG) supports Native artists and organizations in staging live performances, fostering cultural expression. With a $30,000 grant for one year, this initiative prioritizes projects that actively engage Native performers, enhancing their artistic skills and community connections. By addressing the unique needs of Native creators, the program aims to empower them with resources, mentorship, and equitable opportunities in the performing arts landscape.

The Elaine Ehlers Arts Scholarship, established in 2002, offers $5,000 to graduating high school seniors in New Jersey who demonstrate artistic excellence in various disciplines such as dance, drama, visual arts, or music. The scholarship is awarded based on a panel's evaluation of work samples and character. This initiative honors Elaine Ehlers' legacy, promoting arts education and supporting students pursuing their creative passions at accredited institutions.

The Eugenie Coladarci Arts Scholarship, offered by Morris Arts, awards $1,500 to graduating high school seniors in New Jersey who demonstrate artistic excellence in various disciplines such as dance, drama, visual arts, or music. Applicants are evaluated by a panel of experts based on their work samples, essays, and dedication to the arts. The scholarship directly supports tuition at the chosen college or arts program, continuing the legacy of Eugenie R. Coladarci, a passionate advocate for young artists.

The Alice M. Ditson Fund provides organizational support for professional performing ensembles and institutions committed to advancing the work of younger and relatively unknown living American composers. Grants are available for general operating or project support, emphasizing contemporary American classical concert music. Eligibility includes organizations without non-profit status if sponsored by a 501(c)(3) entity, while projects featuring American music are prioritized. This funding opportunity encourages innovative performances and fosters greater recognition of emerging talents in the classical music sphere.

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. 

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.