The Little Venue That Could Grant Program

The Little Venue That Could Grant Program, launched by IndieSpace with funding from the Howard Gilman Foundation, supports New York City’s indie theater, dance, and multidisciplinary performance venues that operate on small budgets. Now in its second year, this program specifically targets venues that often lack access to public and private funding due to their unique fiscal structures, size, staffing models, or leasing arrangements. These spaces play a critical role in the cultural ecosystem by providing affordable performance venues for artists despite being historically underfunded and affected by New York City’s affordability crisis. This grant offers selected grantees two years of unrestricted operating support totaling $20,000, distributed as $10,000 per year. These funds can be used flexibly for expenses such as staff salaries, rent, utilities, and debt. Additionally, recipients will receive $5,000 worth of professional development services chosen from a curated menu, to be used over the two-year grant term. They will also gain access to IndieSpace’s ongoing free Advisory and Consulting program, which provides expert guidance and resources throughout the lifespan of the venue’s operation. To further acknowledge the time and labor involved in applying, IndieSpace will divide a $5,000 fund among all applicants who submit eligible and complete applications. The amount each organization receives depends on the total number of qualifying submissions. Grantees must complete a brief interview at the end of the first year to receive the second installment of funding. An optional post-grant survey will also be conducted at the conclusion of the grant period. Eligible applicants must be indie theater, dance, or multidisciplinary venues located within New York City’s five boroughs. Each venue must have at least one space with fewer than 99 seats, have operated for at least two years (including 2025), maintain an annual expense budget of $500,000 or less, and possess a formal occupancy agreement such as a lease or deed. Acceptable organizational structures include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, fiscally sponsored entities, S Corps, B Corps, LLCs, or LLPs. Venues that are current direct annual grantees of the Howard Gilman Foundation or past recipients of this specific grant are ineligible. The application period opens on July 7, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. and closes on September 2, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. The application process is designed to be accessible, taking an estimated 1–2 hours to complete, with no strict word or character limits. A weighted lottery system will determine the awardees, with consideration given to venue location, prior NEA funding status, organizational mission, and community impact. Open house events will be held virtually and in person to provide applicants with further guidance, and oral submissions via phone or Zoom are available by request with appropriate accessibility services. Questions about the application process or eligibility may be directed to hello@indiespace.org. Full details, including the application link and open house registration, can be found at indiespace.org/venue-grant.