Best Grants for Theater in Virgin Islands

Early mid-career theater and dance artists and scholars in the Virgin Islands can receive US $40,000 fellowships to pursue independent creative or scholarly projects. Grants from the George A and Eliza Gardner Howard Foundation support substantial time for new work in theater, dance, performance studies, or writing for performance for those living and working in U.S. territories.

The Creation & Development Fund, administered by the National Performance Network, supports the creation and mobility of artistic works that promote racial and cultural justice. It fosters collaboration between artists and communities through financial support, enabling artists to develop meaningful relationships and present their work. The fund emphasizes equity, access, and the importance of public engagement, ensuring that diverse voices are represented while addressing systemic injustices in the arts.

Libraries in the Virgin Islands and other U.S. territories can receive US $2,500 for community-building programs through the Peggy Barber Tribute Grant, supporting program-related expenses only. American Library Association awards three libraries annually; theater-related or performance programming that strengthens community ties in library “third spaces” may be eligible when applicants hold required ALA or Association for Rural & Small Libraries membership.

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.

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.

The Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Assistance Fund offers crucial financial support and counseling for individuals in the theatrical exhibition and distribution sectors facing health-related challenges. This fund assists with medical expenses, housing emergencies, and essential services like vocational rehabilitation and equipment aid. Eligible applicants must have a minimum of three years in exhibition or five years in distribution. The fund aims to provide a safety net for those impacted by illness, injury, or significant life changes.

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.

The Student Ambassador Program by USITT offers a unique chance for student members to connect with international theatre professionals during the Annual Conference. Participants will engage in meaningful conversations and networking opportunities, including a special luncheon and the International Reception. This program aims to foster collaboration and mentorship among emerging designers and experienced industry leaders, enhancing professional growth within the performing arts community.

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 Founders Concept Development Grants, offered by the Children's Theatre Foundation of America (CTFA), support US non-profit theatres in developing innovative concepts and strategies for engaging young audiences. This initiative emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to enhance the quality of theatre for youth. CTFA encourages artists to explore new ideas while ensuring that all children have access to impactful theatrical experiences. This grant embodies a commitment to fostering creativity and excellence in youth theatre.

The ISF Film Scholarship Program, initiated by the Islamic Scholarship Fund, supports Muslim students pursuing careers in film and media. With scholarships ranging from $3,000 to $5,000, the program aims to enhance Muslim representation in media and counter negative portrayals. Eligible applicants must be full-time students or professionals in relevant fields, maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0. This initiative not only fosters talent but also empowers voices in policy-making and public opinion.

The Joe Salek Scholarship for Theater Arts Trust, administered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports students pursuing a degree in Theatre Arts, including acting, playwriting, and design. Open to high school seniors and college students in the USA, this scholarship requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and full-time enrollment. Renewable for up to one year, it aims to empower the next generation of theater artists by providing essential financial aid for tuition, fees, and living expenses.

The Helen Duranleau-Brennan Theater Scholarship, offered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, supports students pursuing theater studies. Eligible applicants must be graduates from specific Davenport high schools, maintain a 3.0 GPA, and be enrolled in a four-year program or graduate school for theater. This scholarship provides up to $1,000 annually, renewable for up to four years, encouraging students committed to theater-related disciplines and community service.

The Jerry and Martha Taylor Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, supports students from Rock Island County pursuing post-secondary education. With awards of up to $1,000, this scholarship is not renewable and is open to applicants with a minimum GPA of 2.75. Preference is given to students majoring in journalism, theater arts, or special education, or those attending accredited trade schools.

Virgin Islands theater educators in secondary schools can access funding through United States Institute for Theatre Technology to support professional development in design, technology, management, or production. Grants up to Up to US $500 may cover conference or workshop registrations, travel, facilitator stipends, training supplies, software licensing, or instructional equipment, with activities completed within one year.

Emerging theater and entertainment design professionals in the Virgin Islands and across the U.S. can apply for the Sherry Wagner-Henry Board Fellowship, awarding US $3,000 - US $3,500 in board mentorship value. Offered by United Institute for Theatre Technology, it provides 12–18 months of governance training, national board access, and travel support.

Theater and arts organizations fostering Shakespeare-related performance, teaching, scholarship, or activism can access support through the Shakespeare Association of America; at least one primary collaborator must be an SAA member in good standing. This award honors innovative, culturally significant projects that build and sustain broad, diverse Shakespeare publics, which may include theater initiatives in the Virgin Islands.

Native-led performing arts organizations, businesses, and collectives producing live theater and other performances in the U.S., including the Virgin Islands, can receive US $30,000 for active-stage productions. Grants from First Peoples Fund support Native performing arts projects featuring multiple Native artists, such as plays, tours, community performances, festivals, concerts, and other live productions.

High schools producing plays or musicals that explore diverse perspectives can apply for the Educational Theatre Association Foundation’s Craig Zadan Pathway for Equity in the Arts Grant, awarding US $10,000 for productions and professional mentors. Schools in the Virgin Islands may be eligible if their 2026–27 theater projects meet these criteria.

High school seniors pursuing arts education in dance, drama, visual arts, or music can receive $5,000 toward tuition through the Elaine Ehlers Arts Scholarship, including theater-focused students. Focused on arts training, Arts Council of the Morris Area invites eligible New Jersey seniors to apply; Virgin Islands theater organizations may find this useful as a comparison opportunity.

High school seniors in New Jersey pursuing dance, drama, visual arts, or music studies can receive scholarship support for accredited post-secondary arts programs. Focused on developing young artists, Arts Council of the Morris Area offers the Eugenie Coladarci Arts Scholarship, which awards US $1,500 paid directly to the recipient’s chosen college or arts program.

Emerging U.S.-based music writers from communities with ancestry in Africa, Asia, the Americas, Oceania, or Pacific Islands can receive US $5,000 in unrestricted support for critical writing on music. Japanese American National Museum’s Irene Yamamoto Arts Writers Fellowship may benefit Virgin Islands theater practitioners who also produce serious music criticism or reviews.

Individual artists, arts organizations, and fiscally sponsored projects creating environmentally focused artistic activism, including theater, in the Virgin Islands can apply for Puffin Foundation support. Eligible applicants are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA recipients with an SSN, with priority for smaller-budget, solution-focused projects that address climate and other pressing environmental issues.

LRPenn.com is home to the novels, plays, and screenplays of LR Penn. His books specializes in Thrillers, Dramatic Comedies, and Film Noir. Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, grants may be available to nonprofit theater companies in the United States with 501(c)(3) status that are staging productions of plays written by LR Penn.  

Building a global community of creative problem solvers, effective collaborators, and empathetic individuals through theatre

Our Mission and Goals

The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF) is the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA).

ETF advances the field of educational theatre by broadening representation and increasing access for all. ETF’s programs aim to support students, educators and the field at large by realizing three strategic goals:

• Subsidizing new, emerging, and underserved student theatre programs;
• Creating paths for theatre educators to develop new skills; and
• Commissioning research to showcase the value of a theatre education.

Educator & Program Grants

Giving school theatre programs a boost

The Thespian Growth & Excellence Fund is committed to supporting the ongoing development of theatre programs and the pursuit of excellence for educators, students, schools, and communities by offering a number of grants that assist in EdTA membership, teacher support, and programmatic resources for theatre in schools.

By the end of 2024, the Thespian Growth and Excellence Fund has awarded 349 grants to 276 schools, totaling $286,167 in assistance provided to school theatre programs, many at schools with Title 1 designations.

Equipment Upgrade (up to $5,000)

Can be awarded to help school theatre programs with large technical purchases that upgrade the resources available for theatrical use, such as lighting and sound equipment.

The EdTA Thespian Growth & Excellence Grants support theatre programs by providing financial assistance for troupe expenses, including travel to professional productions and participation in state conferences. Founded by the Educational Theatre Foundation, these grants aim to enhance educational theatre access and representation. By the end of 2024, 349 grants totaling over $286,000 will have been awarded, benefiting schools with Title 1 designations and empowering students and educators in their creative pursuits.

The Educational Theatre Foundation (EdTA) offers the Thespian Growth & Excellence Grants to support production expenses for school theatre programs. Grants of up to $1,000 can cover essential costs such as licensing fees, rentals, sets, and costumes. With a commitment to enhancing educational theatre, EdTA prioritizes applications based on demonstrated need, particularly for Title 1 schools, helping to foster creativity and collaboration in diverse educational settings.