The Biller Family Foundation’s Social Impact Theatre grant program reflects the foundation’s belief in the transformative power of live theatre to encourage dialogue, engage with challenging contemporary issues, and foster empathy across diverse communities. The program provides production-specific funding to organizations that demonstrate an intentional and innovative approach in engaging audiences with social themes presented through theatrical works.
For the 2025 grant cycle, the program will exclusively fund contemporary professional theatrical productions that highlight current social issues. Eligible productions must feature at least 75% professional actors, have completed scripts at the time of application, and include a minimum of 15 fully produced public performances. The production must take place between September 1, 2025, and August 31, 2026. Theatrical forms like dance, opera, symphony, or professional touring Broadway shows are not eligible.
Applicants must be nonprofit organizations headquartered in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Oregon, or Washington State. These organizations must have IRS 501(c)(3) status, a primary mission focused solely on theatre production and presentation, a minimum of two consecutive years of community engagement through theatre, and an annual operating revenue of at least $1,000,000 in the most recently completed fiscal year. Fiscal sponsorships are not accepted.
The application process includes submitting an initial Letter of Inquiry (LOI). Selected organizations will then be invited to submit a full application. The application includes detailed narrative and financial components such as mission alignment, production summary, social issue engagement strategies, community partnerships, and a comprehensive budget. Evaluations will consider production impact, outreach strategies, audience engagement plans, organizational leadership, and financial health.
The timeline for the 2025 cycle is as follows: LOIs open on May 13, 2025, with optional office hours available from May 14–23, 2025. LOIs are due by June 9, 2025. Selected applicants will be notified on June 23, 2025, with full applications due by July 14, 2025. Final award decisions will be announced by August 29, 2025.
For inquiries, applicants may contact the foundation at inquiries@billerfamilyfoundation.org or by phone at (206) 535-7543. The foundation’s address is 400 University Street, 3rd Floor, Seattle, WA 98101.
