The Aurand Harris Grant & Individual Fellowship, offered by the Children’s Theatre Foundation of America (CTFA), supports theatre artists and organizations dedicated to theatre for young audiences. The foundation prioritizes projects that emphasize diversity, equity, and inclusion, aligning with its mission to advance theatre for children and youth. The grant is funded by royalties from playwright Aurand Harris (1916-1996), who was known for his contributions to children’s theatre.
For 2025, the Harris Committee is awarding multiple theatre grants ranging from $3,000 to $6,000 and individual fellowships ranging from $2,000 to $4,000. These funds will support projects scheduled between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. The funding is intended to help theatre organizations and individual artists develop new work, enhance artistic excellence, and expand opportunities for engagement with young audiences.
Eligibility for the grant extends to 501(c)(3) nonprofit theatres in the United States that have held nonprofit status for at least three consecutive years, operate with an annual budget under $1 million, and demonstrate a record of artistic quality. Additionally, these organizations must provide a one-to-one funding match, which may include in-kind contributions such as salaries or services. Individual applicants must have a demonstrable record of artistic quality and provide a professional reference.
Funding may be used for expenses related to people (playwrights, directors, designers, educators, and anti-racism trainers), equipment (sound, lighting, media tools), and travel (collaborative projects, conferences, training). Individual artists may seek funding for personal development projects, such as writing, directing, or designing new works, particularly those that expand awareness of equity, diversity, and inclusion. However, funding cannot be used for general operating support, free ticket programs, ongoing projects, academic credit activities, or projects misaligned with CTFA’s mission.
The application period opens on February 5, 2025, and closes on March 31, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET. Applications must be submitted through the Good Grants portal. The review committee evaluates applications based on their potential impact on theatre for young audiences, feasibility, and necessity of CTFA funding. Notification of awards will be sent by June 10, 2025. Grantees will receive 75% of their funding upon signing the grant agreement, with the remaining 25% disbursed upon submission of a final report due by July 15, 2026.
For questions, applicants may contact ctfaharrisgrant@gmail.com.
