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Grants for Theater Groups

Applying for grants should be a critical component of a theater group's fund-raising strategy. According to a 2008 Theatre Communications Group survey of 176 theaters, grants accounted for 18.5 percent of the total contributed income for those theaters. Among these same theaters, the average grant from a foundation amounted to $26,603. A typical corporate grant is $10,000. Theaters often receive more grant funding from city, state, and county agencies than federal sources. Generally, any organization that supports arts and culture will award grants to theater groups. Few organizations limit grants to theaters specifically.

  1. American Express

    • American Express supports theaters that preserve cultural heritage by presenting works that are grounded in a cultural tradition or by saving dramatic treasures that are at risk of being lost. Send a one-to-two page letter of inquiry to American Express at this address:

      American Express Foundation

      World Financial Center.

      200 Vesey St., 48th Floor

      New York, NY 10285-4804

      212-640-5661

      americanexpress.com

    American Theatre Wing

    • American Theatre Wing, founder of the Tony awards, supports non-profit theaters through its National Theatre Company grants program. Dramatic and/or musical theater groups that have presented five to 15 seasons can apply. Grants provide general operating support. The grant cycle begins in the fall.

      American Theatre Wing, Inc.

      570 Seventh Ave., Suite 501

      New York, NY 10018-1639

      212-765-0606

      americantheatrewing.org

    National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)

    • If your theater group is a registered nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization that has produced at least three years' worth of programming, it is eligible for an NEA grant. Theater groups of all sizes and genres, including puppetry, are welcome to apply. Access to Artistic Excellence grants support the creation and presentation of theatrical works with strong artistic merit. Groups that work with children and youth may consider a Learning in the Arts for Children and Youth grant. Theater projects distributed through radio and television may be eligible for an Arts on Television and Radio grant.

      1100 Pennsylvania Ave. NW

      Washington, D.C. 20506

      202-682-5400

      nea.gov

    Theatre Communications Group (TCG)

    • Theatre Communications Group, a national organization with 700 member theaters, distributes more than $2 million a year to theaters and individuals. Members of TCG are eligible for Think It and Do It grants. Think It grants provide up to $25,000 to support research and development. Theaters that need support in order to carry out a new program or strategy can apply for a Do It grant of up to $50,000. Other grants are not restricted to TCG members. If your audience is aging and you would like to engage younger viewers, consider a Future Audiences grant. Theaters that wish to outreach to culturally specific or underserved populations are also encouraged to apply for this grant program. Future Leaders grants support mentorship programs for young professionals involved in all aspects of theater.

      Theatre Communications Group

      520 Eighth Ave., 24th Floor

      New York, NY 10018

      212-609-5900

      tcg.org

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