Performing Arts Funding Grant Program

The Performing Arts Funding Grant Program is administered by ETC, a company that supports the arts across the United States by providing financial assistance to non-profit performance groups. This initiative reflects ETC’s commitment to fostering creative expression and strengthening the performing arts community nationwide. The program offers cash grants to support the production of original works, with a focus on enabling more organizations to access resources. By limiting the maximum award amount to $5,000, ETC ensures that funding can be distributed to a broader range of applicants. The primary objective of the grant is to support organizations that produce their own work, rather than those that primarily serve as hosting venues. Grants may be awarded in full or in part, depending on the discretion of the selection committee. The number of applications typically exceeds the available funding, so receiving an award is not guaranteed even if an applicant meets all qualifications. ETC may choose to partially fund a project if doing so allows more organizations to benefit from the program. Eligibility is limited to applicants based in the United States that fall into one of three categories: a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization; an accredited public or private school or university; or a federal, state, or local government entity as defined in section 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code. Organizations that discriminate based on race, religion, creed, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited basis are ineligible. Additionally, funding cannot be used for staff salaries, scholarships, internships, or reimbursements to individuals or groups; travel expenses; new construction or renovations; events such as dinners or galas; or advertising and corporate sponsorship in fundraising campaigns. Applications for the Performing Arts Funding Grant Program are accepted once per year, with a deadline of August 31. Decisions are typically announced by December 31 of the same year. The program operates on an annual cycle, allowing organizations to prepare for future application periods if they are not selected in the current year. No specific application opening date is provided, so applicants should plan well in advance of the deadline. The application process requires that applicants submit their proposals through the official ETC application system. While specific application questions are not detailed in the program description, applicants should be prepared to demonstrate organizational eligibility, outline their proposed project, and explain how the requested funding will be used in compliance with program restrictions. Preference is given to projects that generate original performance work, highlighting the applicant’s creative contributions. ETC does not publish contact details for individual grant program staff within the publicly available materials, so prospective applicants should refer to the general ETC contact page for inquiries. With a clear deadline, defined eligibility requirements, and a focus on equitable distribution of modest funding amounts, the Performing Arts Funding Grant Program offers an opportunity for small and mid-sized arts organizations to secure resources that can help bring their creative visions to life.