Best Grants for Dance Nonprofit Organizations in Washington

 Washington State Arts Commission

ArtsWA is the Washington State Arts Commission. We are a state agency, formed by the Washington State Legislature in 1961. Our mission is to nurture and support the role of the arts in the lives of all Washingtonians.

ArtsWA promotes and documents the public value of the arts. We are dedicated to accountability and accessibility. Our commissioners and staff work together to support the following main programs:

• Public Art. We manage and protect the State Art Collection, a shared cultural resource.
• Grants. We provide grant opportunities to expand art participation statewide.
• Creative Districts. We support communities that connect arts and culture to economic development.
• Arts in Education. We support high quality, standards-based arts education as a part of PreK-12 basic education.

Self-directed Art Practice (SAP) Grant

ArtsWA’s Wellness, Arts, and Military (WAM) program aims to introduce more Veterans and military-connected families to the enriching possibilities of the arts. Whether someone is picking up a creative practice for the first time or returning to a long-time interest, the arts offer a space for self-expression, connection, and discovery. Through participation in artistic experiences, individuals can explore new skills, build community, and engage in meaningful personal growth. Engaging in an art practice improves physical, social, and emotional well-being for active-military, Veterans, and their families.

Through the Self-directed Art Practice (SAP) grant program, WAM offers this unique opportunity for eligible military-connected individuals to spend time pursuing an art practice for professional and personal development.

The SAP grant provides one-time grants. These grants pay for costs associated with taking time to practice art throughout the grant period.

Applicants must provide:

• an art practice plan
• 3 art samples
• a simple budget that shows how time and funds will be used

Women-identifying individual artists in the U.S. creating in-progress environmental art projects, including dance-related work, can apply for up to US $20,000 to complete a project phase with free public engagement. Focused on ecological and social ethics, New York Foundation for the Arts supports themes like regeneration, eco-social engagement, and climate change through the Anonymous Was A Woman Environmental Art Grants.

Nonprofit arts and cultural institutions in Washington with audited expenses over $2 million can seek more than US $100,000 to support programs, capital needs, or limited general support that engage broad audiences. Grants from William Randolph Hearst Foundation help U.S. organizations in ballet, dance, museums, and other cultural fields, especially those serving youth and nurturing artistic talent.

Dance and physical education professionals in Washington who are SHAPE America members can be honored for lifetime scholarly work in measurement and evaluation. Grants from Society of Health and Physical Educators recognize substantial, long-term contributions to theory and practice in health, physical education, and dance-related measurement and evaluation across the U.S.

Dance and sports educators in Washington promoting opportunities for girls and women in sport can apply for the NAGWS Legacy Award, which provides US $1,000 for projects like research, after-school programs, or professional development. With a mission to advance health and physical education, SHAPE America supports members’ work that honors this legacy.

U.S.-based dance presenters, curators, residency directors, and current NDP artist grantees planning NDP-funded tours, including those serving Washington, can receive up to US $500 for domestic travel to support tour planning. Grants from New England Foundation for the Arts help cover in-person meetings, site visits, and relationship-building that advance National Dance Project works.

Graduate students in health, physical education, recreation, or dance can receive US $1,750 to support their studies through this national scholarship, including applicants from Washington. With a mission to advance professional practice, Society of Health and Physical Educators provides high-achieving SHAPE America members with funding and a three-year membership based on GPA, leadership, and service.

Undergraduate juniors and seniors in Washington studying dance, physical education, health, or recreation can receive US $1,250 to support their education through the Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship. Focused on advancing health and physical education, Society of Health and Physical Educators invites SHAPE America student members to apply based on academics, leadership, and service.

Washington children and adults with cystic fibrosis seeking support for dance, horseback riding, swimming, or golf can apply for Loretta Morris Memorial Grants, with awards up to US $750. Funding from BreatheStrong CF is paid directly to the activity provider, helping eligible individuals stay active and engaged in physical activities.

Native performing artists and Native-led performing arts organizations in Washington can receive US $30,000 to produce live performances, including dance, theater, and other stage work. Grants from First Peoples Fund help U.S.-based Native creators in active production stages, supporting multi-artist live events that may benefit dance-focused nonprofits and collectives.

High school seniors in New Jersey pursuing dance, drama, visual arts, or music studies can apply for the Elaine Ehlers Arts Scholarship, awarding US $5,000 for college or arts program tuition. Focused on arts education, Arts Council of the Morris Area invites students dedicated to furthering their artistic training to submit work samples for review.

High school seniors in New Jersey’s Morris County pursuing dance, drama, visual arts, or music studies can receive $1,500 toward tuition through the Eugenie Coladarci Arts Scholarship. Focused on supporting young artists’ training and development, this Morris Arts award may benefit students involved in educational dance programs, including those connected to Washington-based dance nonprofits.

Professional performing ensembles, dance companies, and contemporary music institutions in Washington and beyond can seek general operating or project support for performances of living American classical concert music. With a mission to advance contemporary American composers, the Alice M. Ditson Fund provides support to organizations (or those with 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsors) presenting younger and lesser-known composers’ work.

Graduate students from eligible Asian countries pursuing full-time arts or cultural degree programs in the U.S., including those studying dance in Washington, can receive US $15,000 for one academic year to cover travel and living expenses. Grants from Asian Cultural Council help support coursework-based study and connect fellows to a global arts community.

Individual dance artists, scholars, and arts professionals in eligible Asian countries or the U.S. can seek Asian Cultural Council support for self-directed research and cultural exchange travel outside their home country. Focused on artistic and cultural immersion, this fellowship may benefit Washington-based dance practitioners whose work involves international collaboration and study.

Dance artists, choreographers, and other arts professionals from eligible Asian countries can pursue a six‑month cultural immersion fellowship in New York City and across the U.S., including Washington, to deepen their practice and research. Focused on artistic exploration and peer learning, Asian Cultural Council supports visits to institutions, performances, workshops, and individualized mentorship throughout the program.

Early mid-career individual artists and scholars in dance, theater, and performance studies can receive US $40,000 fellowships to devote substantial time to new creative or scholarly work while living and working in the U.S. or its territories. Grants from George A and Eliza Gardner Howard Foundation may benefit Washington-based dance practitioners advancing independent projects.

The Shubert Foundation is the largest funder in the U.S. providing unrestricted grants to not-for-profit theatres and dance companies. It focuses on supporting professional dance organizations that demonstrate artistic activity, community service, and fiscal responsibility. The foundation emphasizes equity, diversity, and inclusion in its grant-making process, with a commitment to evaluating organizations based on their impact and contributions to the field. Funding is limited to U.S. organizations with established track records.

Dance and physical education professionals in Washington who are SHAPE America members and part of the Measurement and Evaluation SIG can be honored for advancing measurement and evaluation in their field. Grants from Society of Health and Physical Educators help recognize outstanding contributions, and dance-focused educators within K–12 or community health settings may be strong candidates.

Graduate students in the U.S. focusing on psychomotor measurement and evaluation can receive support for professional expenses through this award, which may benefit those involved in dance-related research or K–12 physical education in Washington. Grants from SHAPE America help eligible master’s and doctoral candidates who are current members and have at least one year of study remaining.

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 distinguished service in health, physical education, dance, or sport. Society of Health and Physical Educators annually awards the Luther Halsey Gulick Medal, and Washington dance educators active in SHAPE America may be eligible.

Early-career health or physical education researchers in the U.S. can receive recognition and support for impactful curriculum and instruction scholarship through the Helen M. Heitmann Young Scholar Award. Grants from Society of Health and Physical Educators help Washington dance and physical education scholars whose work advances K–12 curriculum, instruction, and teacher development apply their research in practice.

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.