Best Grants for Dance Nonprofit Organizations in Vermont

Nonprofit organizations, municipalities, schools, and fiscally sponsored projects in Vermont can apply for Vermont Community Foundation’s Arts & Social Cohesion Grant, awarding up to US $12,000 for community-based arts projects. Funding supports participatory dance, music, visual, and public art activities that build social connection, belonging, and wellbeing among diverse and often marginalized residents.

Vermont and other New England choreographers seeking career-advancing dance opportunities can access funding through the New England Foundation for the Arts for residencies, research trips, trainings, tour planning, documentation, and related costs. Grants of US $500 - US $1,000 support timely projects and may be paid to individuals, 501(c)(3) organizations, or fiscal sponsors.

Dance and ballet artists in Vermont creating environmental art projects can apply for up to US $20,000 to advance in-progress work with free public engagement. Focused on environmental themes such as climate, regeneration, or systems restoration, New York Foundation for the Arts supports women-identifying project leads across the U.S. and territories.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in Vermont offering arts, science, or arts education programs can access funding through the William Randolph Hearst Foundation for program, capital, and limited general or endowment support. Grants from William Randolph Hearst Foundation help U.S. organizations with audited expenses over $2 million, including dance and ballet groups, with awards more than US $100,000 for impactful, sustainable initiatives.

Graduate students in psychomotor measurement and evaluation at U.S. colleges and universities can receive support for professional expenses through the Measurement and Evaluation Graduate Student Award. Grants from Society of Health and Physical Educators help eligible SHAPE America and Measurement and Evaluation SIG members, including those engaged in dance-related research or K–12 programs, advance their studies.

Dance and physical education professionals in Vermont engaged in K–12 health, physical fitness, or dance-related measurement and evaluation may be eligible for this honor award recognizing outstanding contributions. Grants from Society of Health and Physical Educators help U.S. members of the Measurement and Evaluation SIG gain national recognition for advancing its mission.

Dance and physical education professionals in Vermont focused on measurement and evaluation can access recognition through the Society of Health and Physical Educators’ Lifetime Achievement Award. Grants from Society of Health and Physical Educators help honor SHAPE America members whose scholarly work advances assessment in health, physical education, and dance-related fields nationwide.

Nonprofit and education professionals planning programs or research that expand opportunities for girls and women in sport, physical activity, or dance in Vermont can apply for the NAGWS Legacy Award, offering US $1,000 for a winning proposal. With a mission to advance health and physical education, Society of Health and Physical Educators supports projects like after-school programs, leadership development, and graduate research.

U.S.-based dance presenters, curators, residency directors, and NDP-supported dance artists can receive up to US $500 for domestic travel to plan tours of NDP-funded works. Grants from New England Foundation for the Arts help Vermont dance organizations and professionals meet in person, assess venues, and build relationships that support future touring.

Graduate students in health, physical education, recreation, or dance can receive US $1,750 to support their studies, including those in Vermont. With a mission to advance professional practice and promote research, Society of Health and Physical Educators provides SHAPE America members with scholarships recognizing academic excellence, leadership, service, and character in these fields.

Undergraduate students in Vermont majoring in dance, health, physical education, recreation, or related fields 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 invites qualified juniors and seniors to apply annually.

Vermont dance organizations serving children or adults with cystic fibrosis may be eligible for support to cover dance activity fees through BreatheStrong CF’s Loretta Morris Memorial Grants, with awards up to US $750. Funding is paid directly to the dance provider, helping CF participants access ongoing physical activity opportunities.

Native performing artists and Native-led performing arts nonprofits or businesses in Vermont can receive US $30,000 to produce live dance, theater, music, or other performances. Grants from First Peoples Fund help U.S.-based Native creators in active production stages, including tours and performances in Native communities, that feature multiple Native performers.

High school seniors in New Jersey’s Morris County pursuing college-level arts education in dance, drama, visual arts, or music can receive $5,000 toward tuition through the Elaine Ehlers Arts Scholarship. Focused on artistic excellence and dedication, this Arts Council of the Morris Area award may benefit students involved in dance-focused programs, including those connected to Vermont organizations.

Graduating high school seniors in New Jersey pursuing college-level dance, drama, visual arts, or music studies can receive the Eugenie Coladarci Arts Scholarship, awarding US $1,500 toward tuition. Focused on supporting young artists, Arts Council of the Morris Area invites applicants who demonstrate artistic excellence, including Vermont dance nonprofits’ students who meet these residency and study criteria.

Professional performing ensembles, dance companies, and contemporary music institutions in Vermont can seek general operating or project support for performances of works by younger and relatively unknown, living American classical composers. With a mission to support contemporary concert music, the Alice M. Ditson Fund also accepts fiscally sponsored groups and projects outside the U.S. featuring eligible American composers.

Graduate students from eligible Asian countries pursuing full-time arts or cultural degree programs in the U.S., including dance, can receive support for travel and living expenses through this fellowship; awards US $15,000 for one academic year. Grants from Asian Cultural Council help Vermont-focused arts scholars engaged in coursework-based graduate study connect with an international creative community.

Experienced individual dance artists, scholars, and arts professionals can seek funding to pursue self-directed research and cultural exchange projects in unfamiliar countries, including the U.S. Asian Cultural Council supports activities like field interviews, institutional visits, workshops, and archival research that deepen artistic practice and international dialogue; Vermont-based practitioners may be eligible if they meet citizenship and discipline criteria.

Individual SHAPE America members in the U.S. with at least ten years of membership and prior national recognition can receive this top professional honor for outstanding service, research, teaching, or administration. Vermont dance and physical education professionals who meet these criteria may be nominated for the Society of Health and Physical Educators’ Luther Halsey Gulick Award.

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.

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.