Best Grants for Theatre Equipment in Louisiana

Louisiana theater organizations, schools, colleges, universities, and government agencies can access funding through Louisiana Division of the Arts to support arts projects that benefit their communities. Eligible projects include theater productions, teaching, or presentations that increase public access to the arts and address local needs across Louisiana’s nine Regional Arts Council regions.

Louisiana K–12 schools and arts-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits can receive up to US $7,500 for in-school music, arts, and cultural traditions education, including instruments, repairs, and art supplies in Louisiana. The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation supports programs that promote and preserve Louisiana’s music, culture, and heritage, which may include school-based theater-related instruction and materials.

Nonprofit organizations in Louisiana offering after-school or summer arts education can receive up to US $7,500 to pay professional teaching fees for music, arts, and cultural traditions programs. Grants from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation help Louisiana theater and other arts groups sustain educational programming that reflects local culture.

The Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Assistance Fund offers crucial financial support and counseling for individuals in the theatrical exhibition and distribution sectors facing health-related challenges. This fund assists with medical expenses, housing emergencies, and essential services like vocational rehabilitation and equipment aid. Eligible applicants must have a minimum of three years in exhibition or five years in distribution. The fund aims to provide a safety net for those impacted by illness, injury, or significant life changes.

The BTCF: Simple Gifts Fund Grant supports young artists aged 13-19 in the Berkshire Taconic region, providing financial assistance for summer enrichment programs in the arts. Established in 1998 in memory of folk singer Bill Crofut, the fund aims to empower youth through small grants that can cover costs for tuition, art supplies, or living expenses. The grant fosters creativity and personal growth, ensuring that young individuals have opportunities to pursue their passions.

The Student Ambassador Program by USITT offers a unique chance for student members to connect with international theatre professionals during the Annual Conference. Participants will engage in meaningful conversations and networking opportunities, including a special luncheon and the International Reception. This program aims to foster collaboration and mentorship among emerging designers and experienced industry leaders, enhancing professional growth within the performing arts community.

The Lazarus Family Scholarship in Bioethics and Humanities, offered by the AMA Foundation, supports students engaged in bioethics or the humanities, including art, music, and literature. This scholarship aims to foster the next generation of physician leaders by providing financial assistance to those who are committed to advancing health equity and community service. By recognizing diverse fields of study, it emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in medicine and the humanities.

The Founders Concept Development Grants, offered by the Children's Theatre Foundation of America (CTFA), support US non-profit theatres in developing innovative concepts and strategies for engaging young audiences. This initiative emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to enhance the quality of theatre for youth. CTFA encourages artists to explore new ideas while ensuring that all children have access to impactful theatrical experiences. This grant embodies a commitment to fostering creativity and excellence in youth theatre.

The ISF Film Scholarship Program, initiated by the Islamic Scholarship Fund, supports Muslim students pursuing careers in film and media. With scholarships ranging from $3,000 to $5,000, the program aims to enhance Muslim representation in media and counter negative portrayals. Eligible applicants must be full-time students or professionals in relevant fields, maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0. This initiative not only fosters talent but also empowers voices in policy-making and public opinion.

The Joe Salek Scholarship for Theater Arts Trust, administered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports students pursuing a degree in Theatre Arts, including acting, playwriting, and design. Open to high school seniors and college students in the USA, this scholarship requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and full-time enrollment. Renewable for up to one year, it aims to empower the next generation of theater artists by providing essential financial aid for tuition, fees, and living expenses.

The Helen Duranleau-Brennan Theater Scholarship, offered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, supports students pursuing theater studies. Eligible applicants must be graduates from specific Davenport high schools, maintain a 3.0 GPA, and be enrolled in a four-year program or graduate school for theater. This scholarship provides up to $1,000 annually, renewable for up to four years, encouraging students committed to theater-related disciplines and community service.

The Jerry and Martha Taylor Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, supports students from Rock Island County pursuing post-secondary education. With awards of up to $1,000, this scholarship is not renewable and is open to applicants with a minimum GPA of 2.75. Preference is given to students majoring in journalism, theater arts, or special education, or those attending accredited trade schools.

The BACKstage Grant Fall 2025, offered by the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT), provides funding for secondary education theatre teachers to enhance their professional development. Grants support various expenses, including workshop registrations, travel, and educational supplies. Eligible applicants must be secondary school educators teaching theatre-related subjects, and all funded activities must be completed within a year. This initiative fosters growth and innovation in the performing arts community.

Emerging theatre and entertainment design professionals seeking nonprofit leadership experience can access a 12–18 month board fellowship that includes mentorship, governance training, and funded travel to USITT conferences and retreats. Focused on leadership development, the United States Institute for Theatre Technology invites Louisiana theater practitioners and others nationwide who are active USITT members to apply; awards US $3,000 - US $3,500 in fellowship value.

Theater educators, scholars, and practitioners fostering broad public engagement with Shakespeare in Louisiana and beyond may be eligible for the SAA Shakespeare Publics Award, which honors culturally significant teaching, scholarship, performance, or activism. Shakespeare Association of America members can apply directly or nominate collaborative projects with at least one member in good standing.

Native-led performing arts organizations, businesses, collectives, and individual Native performing artists in Louisiana can seek support for live theater, dance, music, and other performances. First Peoples Fund’s Native Performing Arts Live Production Grant offers US $30,000 for U.S.-based projects in active production stages that feature multiple Native performers and honor Native culture and heritage.

High schools producing plays or musicals that explore diverse perspectives can apply for US $10,000 to enhance their theatre programs and student mentorship. Grants from Educational Theatre Association Foundation help Louisiana and other U.S. schools hire professional performance and technical mentors, support productions, and host multiple performances plus a community event to spark meaningful dialogue.

Graduating high school seniors in New Jersey pursuing post-secondary arts education can receive $5,000 to support tuition through the Elaine Ehlers Arts Scholarship. Grants from Arts Council of the Morris Area help students in dance, drama, visual arts, or music; Louisiana theater students may look to this as a model when seeking similar support.

Louisiana theater and arts students can access funding through Arts Council of the Morris Area’s Eugenie Coladarci Arts Scholarship, which supports individual artistic development in dance, drama, visual arts, or music. Graduating high school seniors who are Morris County, New Jersey residents planning accredited post-secondary arts studies may be eligible for this US $1,500 award.

Emerging U.S.-based music critics and arts writers can receive US $5,000 in unrestricted support to advance their writing careers through the Irene Yamamoto Arts Writers Fellowship. Grants from Japanese American National Museum help early-career writers of color produce critical, analytical, or interpretive work on live or recorded music, which may include reviews, industry commentary, or soundtrack criticism.

Artists, arts organizations, and fiscally sponsored theater groups in Louisiana can seek support for environmental artistic activism projects that address climate and other pressing social issues through performance or visual media. With a mission to broaden artistic expression, Puffin Foundation prioritizes solution-focused U.S.-based projects, especially those serving under-served communities and working in theater and related arts disciplines.

Nonprofit arts organizations in New Orleans seeking operating support for disciplines like theater, dance, music, and visual arts can apply for grants of US $14,000. Administered by Arts New Orleans, this Level 3 funding supports administrative and overhead costs for two years, benefiting Louisiana groups that demonstrate artistic excellence and equitable practices.

Nonprofit arts organizations in New Orleans across disciplines like theater, dance, music, literature, media, and visual arts can apply for Arts Council New Orleans’ New Orleans as Cultural Capital Level 2 operating support grants, awarding up to US $7,000. Funding covers administrative and overhead costs, which may include theater-related equipment, programming, and facilities expenses in Louisiana.

Nonprofit arts organizations in Louisiana seeking operating support for disciplines like theater, dance, music, and visual arts can apply for this two-year Level 1 grant, with awards up to US $3,500. With a mission to integrate art into all aspects of New Orleans, Arts Council New Orleans provides funding for salaries, programming, marketing, and other overhead costs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) theater companies in Louisiana and nationwide can receive US $20,000 - US $30,000 to fund paid apprenticeships for early-career theater administrators and technicians. Arts Midwest’s Shakespeare in American Communities: Apprenticeships program supports roles like technicians, set designers, operations, HR, communications, and marketing, including work connected to community-based theater and cross-sector activities.

Professional U.S.-based dramatists needing help with essential living costs can receive US $500 for housing, utilities, groceries, health care, transportation, and similar basics. Dramatists Guild Foundation supports theater writers through one-time Bridge Grants for non-emergency daily expenses. Louisiana theater artists meeting the professional criteria may be eligible.

Building a global community of creative problem solvers, effective collaborators, and empathetic individuals through theatre

Our Mission and Goals

The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF) is the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA).

ETF advances the field of educational theatre by broadening representation and increasing access for all. ETF’s programs aim to support students, educators and the field at large by realizing three strategic goals:

• Subsidizing new, emerging, and underserved student theatre programs;
• Creating paths for theatre educators to develop new skills; and
• Commissioning research to showcase the value of a theatre education.

Educator & Program Grants

Giving school theatre programs a boost

The Thespian Growth & Excellence Fund is committed to supporting the ongoing development of theatre programs and the pursuit of excellence for educators, students, schools, and communities by offering a number of grants that assist in EdTA membership, teacher support, and programmatic resources for theatre in schools.

By the end of 2024, the Thespian Growth and Excellence Fund has awarded 349 grants to 276 schools, totaling $286,167 in assistance provided to school theatre programs, many at schools with Title 1 designations.

Equipment Upgrade (up to $5,000)

Can be awarded to help school theatre programs with large technical purchases that upgrade the resources available for theatrical use, such as lighting and sound equipment.