OVERVIEW: The Shubert Foundation is the nation’s largest foundation providing unrestricted grants specifically to theater and dance communities. It awards over $25 million each year to around 500 different non-profit organizations, making Shubert one of the largest performing arts funders in the country. The majority of this funding overwhelmingly supports theater.
IP TAKE: Unlike some of its peers, Shubert gives unrestricted grants for general operational support rather than for specific projects, which can be quite a boon to grantseekers’ overall bottom line. It prioritizes organizations with established track records of at least three successful seasons. However, if an organization is younger than that, it can still contact Shubert, which welcomes inquiries.
All grant applications must be completed through Shubert’s online grant portal following a brief eligibility quiz. Applicants must provide complete financial statements that have been audited by a certified public accountant for the appropriate fiscal year. Grant seekers with audited financial statements whose annual budget is under $150,000 should contact Shubert before applying. Different rules may apply.
This funder has a wide and growing grantee base, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you think your work aligns with the foundation’s mission.
PROFILE: Founded in 1945, the Shubert Foundation was created by renowned Broadway theater producers Lee and J.J. Schubert to honor the memory of their brother, Sam. Its affiliate, the Shubert Organization, owns and operates 21 theaters, including 17 on Broadway in New York City. The foundation seeks to support “the live performing arts in the United States, with a particular emphasis on theater and a secondary focus on dance.”
Grants for Theater
Shubert’s support for theater comes from its Theater Grants program, which accounts for approximately 70% of its annual grantmaking budget. The Shubert Foundation does not make grants to individuals and only supports US organizations, which must have current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Additionally, supported organizations must have a proven history of artistic, administrative, and fiscal responsibility. The foundation invites grantseekers with a shorter history to make contact in order to discuss their situation in more detail before applying.
The Shubert Foundation also supports Arts-Related Organizations that promote and support the arts, such as The Drama League of New York, Educational Theatre Association, League of Chicago Theatres, and National Alliance for Musical Theatre.
Grants for Dance
On average, Shubert funds around 70 dance companies across the nation each year, with around $4 million in total dance grants. Typically, the foundation prioritizes ballet, but Shubert is interested in other forms of dance as well. The Shubert Foundation does not make grants to individuals and only supports US organizations, which must have current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Additionally, supported organizations must have a proven history of artistic, administrative, and fiscal responsibility.
Important Grant Details:
Grants typically range from $10,000 to $325,000. Although Shubert’s grants provide unrestricted funds, there are items it will not fund, so grant seekers should be sure to read the FAQs carefully.
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