Best Grants for Performing Arts in Florida

Grants from Community Foundation of Broward help Florida performing and visual arts nonprofits expand access to arts and culture, art education, therapy, and community-based cultural programs in Broward County. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations serving Broward residents can apply to support activities like performances, public art, cultural assets, and youth or adult arts learning that engage diverse communities.

Florida 501(c)(3) arts nonprofits that are current Miami-Dade Department of Cultural Affairs grantees can apply for the Audience Access (AUD) Grant Program, with awards up to US $5,000 for ADA/access services and technology. Funding supports ASL interpreters, captioning, audio description, accessible materials, and related training to ensure inclusive performing arts programs.

Florida performing arts nonprofits can access funding through Cornelia T Bailey Charitable Trust for general operating or program support. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations must serve residents in Florida and align with the foundation’s mission in areas such as visual and performing arts, environmental ingenuity, medical research, or veterans initiatives, beginning with a letter of inquiry.

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.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

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.

Early-stage, impact-first nonprofits and mission-driven for-profits in Florida and other priority regions can receive up to US $300,000 plus intensive capacity-building support to scale proven social or environmental solutions. Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation backs post-pilot, pre-scale organizations serving underserved communities, including those using performing arts within broader social impact models.

Florida nonprofit and NGO programs using technology to tackle major social challenges can access funding through Cisco Systems Foundation for innovative crisis response, education, economic empowerment, or climate resilience initiatives. Eligible organizations must primarily serve economically underserved communities worldwide and may receive up to US $100,000, with a brief LOI required before a full application.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

Accredited 501(c)(3) organizations in Florida that integrate visual and/or performing arts into education can receive up to US $25,000 for arts-based learning programs. Cornelia T Bailey Charitable Trust’s P/Arts Program supports initiatives that revitalize curricula, motivate students, empower educators, and address inequities through evidence-based arts instruction and strong community partnerships.

Florida performing arts and other arts nonprofits with budgets under $500,000 can access funding for staff and board professional development, including conferences, workshops, and organization-wide training. South Arts provides up to US $1,000 for travel, registration, and related expenses to eligible tax-exempt arts organizations, government units, or tribal communities in its nine-state Southern region.

Florida performing arts and cultural nonprofits can access funding through Republic Bank Foundation for programs in education, youth, family and community welfare, civic projects, healthcare, human services, recreation, and preservation. Eligible 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(19) organizations serving communities within the bank’s Florida service area may also request occasional in-kind equipment donations.

The Funding Arts Network Grants support local visual and performing arts organizations in Miami-Dade County, enhancing cultural enrichment for residents. This grant aims to fund programs that make a significant impact in the community, fostering artistic expression and engagement. Eligible organizations can receive funding for initiatives that connect with the public and promote the arts, ensuring a vibrant cultural landscape. Applications are encouraged from those dedicated to making a meaningful difference.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

Florida 501(c)(3) arts and cultural nonprofits can apply for United Arts of Central Florida’s venue subsidy grants, with awards up to US $60,000 to cover up to half of short-term venue rental and related venue costs in Orange County. Performing arts organizations presenting public exhibitions, productions, or performances may benefit, especially those serving underserved or diverse communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) arts, culture, history, or science organizations providing year-round public programming in Central Florida can use this grant for general operating support. United Arts of Central Florida supports cultural institutions in Lake, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties, which may include performing arts groups meeting the experience and prior United Arts funding requirements.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Florida performing arts and cultural organizations can receive US $1,000 - US $150,000 in General Program Support funding for ongoing programs and operations. Grants from Florida Department of State: Arts and Culture help Florida groups create, present, or sponsor performances, exhibits, and arts education, including dance, music, theatre, media arts, museums, and traditional arts programming.

Florida performing arts and cultural organizations hosting tourist-oriented events in Miami-Dade County can access funding through the Miami-Dade Department of Cultural Affairs Tourist Development Council Grants Program. Awards up to US $35,000 support sports, cultural and special events, festivals, and television projects that attract visitors, encourage overnight stays, and strengthen the local tourism industry.

Florida 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering educational, cultural, social service, environmental, or other community programs for Cutler Bay residents can access funding through the Town of Cutler Bay’s Community Fund. Grants up to US $2,500 support activities such as concerts, artistic performances, heritage festivals, and other cultural or community-enhancing projects in Cutler Bay.

Florida 501(c)(3) organizations planning arts, music, culture, or education projects can seek up to US $50,000 for project-specific sponsorships. The Arthur F and Alice E Adams Supporting Foundation primarily supports innovative programs, performances, and publications, with a strong focus on organizations in Miami and other key areas, including New York City and Memphis.

Nonprofit and governmental arts presenting organizations in Florida can receive up to US $1,000 for staff and guest artist travel, registration, and related costs for professional development and artistic planning. South Arts supports presenters across performing, film, visual, literary, traditional, and multidisciplinary arts within its nine-state Southern region.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and governmental entities providing arts access, education, or artist fellowships in Florida’s Miami-Dade County can receive US $100,000 - US $250,000 to expand high-quality arts programming and spaces. The Miami Foundation’s Pérez CreARTE Grants support innovative, equitable arts initiatives that engage diverse audiences and nurture artistic talent, including performing arts organizations.

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.

South Arts Inc

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, South Arts is a nonprofit regional arts organization empowering artists, organizations, and communities, and increasing access to arts and culture.

In partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the State Arts Agencies of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee — with additional funding from other public and private donors such as the Doris Duke Foundation, the Ford Foundation, and Mellon Foundation — South Arts supports artists and organizations through a rich and responsive portfolio of grants, fellowships, and programs. Why? Because South Arts believes that the arts elevate the region, increasing connectedness and inspiring meaningful change in the process.

Our mission: Advancing Southern vitality through the arts.

Arts in Community Grants

Program Description

Arts in Community Grants are designed to support deeper engagements between Southern communities and artists. Through these grants supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, we aim to increase access to the arts, expand audiences for artists, and broaden our reach. Eligible projects require a Southern artist/company visiting another Southern state for public activities, offering access to arts programming by professional artists. Funding supports Southern film directors, traditional artists, visual artists, performing artists, or writers:

• film (documentary, fiction, experimental, and animation),
• traditional arts (music, dance, storytelling, and visual arts/crafts),
• visual arts (crafts, drawing, experimental, painting, photography, sculpture, and mixed media),
• performing arts (theater, music, opera, musical theater, and dance), and
• literary arts (fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry).

Projects require an artist or artist ensemble and a host or partner organization. Project must include at least two in-person or live, virtual public activities – both a public presentation (a film screening, performance, reading, or exhibition) and an educational/community engagement activity (a workshop, demonstration, lecture, facilitated discussion, or master class). The grant requires a dollar-for-dollar cash match.