Grants + Residencies + Festivals Calendar
2025-2026 Grants, Fellowships, Festivals and Dance Residency Opportunities Calendar
Boston Dance Alliance has brought together a year’s worth of grants, residencies and other opportunities for dancers, dancemakers and teaching artists.
Check the relevant websites for eligibility requirements and program priorities and to participate in candid information sessions where you can get your questions answered.
These opportunities are listed by deadline, but most open their online portals a few weeks ahead of time. We have listed deadlines that have been published, but remember that deadlines may shift. All deadlines with time stamps are in the Eastern time zone unless otherwise specified. We are not listing grants that are available by invitation only.
Some grants require that you be a nonprofit or fiscally sponsored. Learn how you can be fiscally sponsored by Boston Dance Alliance!
As new and one-time grant opportunities are announced, BDA will add these to the calendar so check back often! Upcoming grant deadlines will also often be listed in the Pro/Motion newsletter. If you discover that any information is incorrect, please let us know by contacting info@bostondancealliance.org!
Dancers, looking for other jobs? Check out the BDA Auditions and BDA Jobs pages year-round.
Best of luck on your applications!
JANUARY 2025
The Philanthropy Connection’s grant application process for 2025 is now open. If you determine that your organization meets our eligibility criteria, and you would like to apply for a grant, click the button below to open the Letter of Intent Application. The deadline for submitting an application is January 3, 2025 by 5:00 PM.
The goal of the biennial Brother Thomas Fellowship program is to support and celebrate a diverse group of Greater Boston artists working at a high level of excellence in a range of disciplines—the visual, performing, literary, media and craft arts—and to enhance their ability to thrive and create new work. Deadline: January 5, 2025.
Gaming Mitigation Fund offers Two-year grants to Massachusetts nonprofit and municipal performing arts centers to spend on touring shows or touring artist fees. Grants start at $6,000. Deadline: January 9, 2025.
The City of Boston established a grant to reimagine ways of commemorating the people, places, and events that are important to our communities It is open to organizations or individuals. Through partnerships with artists and celebrated cultural organizations, Un-monument is presented through a series of interconnected activations including public art, free public talks at The Embrace with the Hutchins Center, writing with the Boston Art Review, and hands-on workshops at Emerson Contemporary. Deadline: Monday, January 13.
Cambridge Community Foundation Spring Grants Cycle is now accepting applications. The Cambridge Community Foundation supports community-based nonprofit organizations that address local challenges and foster opportunities across the community. Community Fund grants make investments in many areas, including arts and culture, child and youth development, community building and engagement, economic security, education, environment, food, health and wellbeing, and housing. Deadline is Tuesday, January 28.
FEBRUARY
2025-2026 Artist Residency at Mount Auburn Cemetery: Each year, 3-6 artists are offered grants (ranging from $500-$4,000 depending on need) and charged with creating an original, site-specific work inspired by an in-depth experience at the Cemetery. The grant must result in a deliverable product, program, or event that is unique to Mount Auburn Cemetery. Deadline: February 1, 2025.
USArtists International® (USAI) supports U.S. artists’ engagements abroad with grants of up to $18,000 towards eligible expenses. These opportunities can develop and expand both the careers and artistic goals of U.S. performers by providing connections with presenters, curators, and fellow artists. The program funds individuals and ensembles across all performing arts practices and disciplines with eligible engagements at international festivals and global presenting arts marketplaces outside of the United States. Non-festival engagements in select countries* are now eligible. Read the guidelines before applying. Deadline is February 26, 2025 by 11:59 PM EST for engagements between June 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026.
NEFA’s NDP Production Grants are made to projects led by professional choreographers or companies to support the creation and U.S. touring and/or sharing of a new dance project. Production Grants are awarded to 20 dance projects annually through a competitive two-stage application process. Artists/choreographers and/or companies apply to receive a package of support that includes $45,000 for the creation of a new work, $10,000 in general operating support for the artist/company, $11,500 for production residency and/or community engagement plans and up to $35,000 to support a U.S. tour of the work. Preliminary application deadline is February 28, 2025.
MARCH
NEFA’s New England States Touring (NEST) Program expands direct access to high quality artists and aesthetic diversity for all New England communities by artists from New England, the nation, and across the globe, creates opportunities for collaboration and partnerships among New England cultural organizations and between artists and organizations and encourages projects that provide meaningful interaction between artists and communities, extending beyond the stage. For projects occurring between June 1, 2023 and August 31, 2024. Application March 3.
Urbanity X is a residency program designed to elevate emerging movement artists by providing multi-faceted support to help take their careers to the next level. The program includes an upfront $1,000 stipend, 30 hours of dedicated studio space, access to Urbanity’s office space, supplies, and technology, archival video recording of their work and a performance opportunity at Urbanity’s Central studio (with marketing, technical support, and costume access). Application Deadline: March 7.
The very competitive NEA Grants for Arts Projects provides cost share/matching grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 for projects with national, regional, or field-wide significance. Phase one deadline is March 11, 2025.
Rhode Island Choreography Project seeks to nurture and elevate choreographers whose voices are not traditionally heard. Our project serves any choreographer who feels underrepresented, regardless of their gender identity. Applications for choreographers and for New England-based dancers of all gender expressions are usually due March 28 and May respectively. You may submit applications for both categories. Performance dates at Ballet RI’s Black Box Theatre in Providence, RI August 21-24.
ArtBeat 2025 is accepting applications for their dance showcase at the Somerville Theater. The ArtBeat festival is the Arts Council’s annual multicultural arts festival that showcases the City’s diverse and vibrant arts communities and attracts ten thousand visitors to Davis Square. Presented by the Somerville Arts Council (SAC) and Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, ArtBeat has reached its 39th year and features an eclectic mix of music, dance, theater, food, performance, and interactive activities. ArtBeat this year will be Saturday, July 19. Applications due on March 31.
Apply to be a part of the 15th Annual Dance for World Community Festival. The Festival brings together dance artists, activists and enthusiasts to celebrate and raise awareness about local and global issues that matter most to our communities. Application Deadline: March 31. Final Acceptance Notified by: April 1.
APRIL
The 2026 Open Call seeks proposals for new artistic works in the Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Film, and Literature. The Creative Capital Award provides unrestricted project grants of up to $50,000 to individual artists to create new work. The new State of the Art Prize provides unrestricted artist grants of $10,000. The application portal opens on Monday, March 3, 2025. The deadline for submission is Thursday, April 3, 3 PM.
MCC’s Operating Grants for Organizations application cycle is now open. This program offers multi-year, unrestricted operating grants to nonprofit cultural organizations and cultural affiliates that enrich cultural life across the Commonwealth. Information session: February 25, 2025. Application deadline: April 17, 2025
Register to reserve a table on Advocacy Way at the Dance for World Community Festival. The Festival traditionally brings together dance artists, activists and enthusiasts to celebrate and raise awareness about the local and global issues that matter most to the entire community. This annual event draws a diverse audience as well as prominent media exposure, making it a unique partnership opportunity for your organization. All are welcome to join the celebration. Deadline: April 30. For further questions contact: Kevin Bradley Jr. at kbradley@ballettheatre.org.
Creative Experiences is a new grant program for organizations (including schools) that supports activities in the arts, humanities, and sciences that invite public participation, spark engagement, and contribute to the vitality of our communities. These one-year grants are $2,500 or $5,000. Applications are due April 30, 2025.
MAY 2024
The next grant round of Festivals & Projects will fund activities that provide public benefit using the arts, humanities, or sciences and take place between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. These awards of $2,500 will support cultural celebrations, concert series, film festivals, public art projects, art workshops, pop-up markets, art and nature hikes – and more – across the Commonwealth. Eligible festivals, projects, and programs are publicly available or community-based. Funds will be available to support activities that are open to the general public, or focused on serving the needs of a particular community. Projects must also have a minimum of $2,500 in cash expenses, including the full cost of the project – there are no limits on overhead or indirect costs. The application deadline is May 23, 2024.
Boston Dance Film Fest submissions open on Thursday, March 14. Use FilmFreeway to submit your short dance film (up to 30 min accepted). Submission deadline is Friday, May 24. The festival will take place on Saturday, September 14.
JUNE
The Boston Dancemakers Residency is designed to support new work from conception to performance. Two choreographers selected for this opportunity will receive incubation elements for research, experimentation, production and marketing support, business practices, artistic risk-taking, and growth within the dance industry in a customized manner for the artist’s practice. Dance Lab Residency offers choreographers and dancers the opportunity to further research and revise works that address pressing issues and reflections on humanity. Through a series of open rehearsals, the artists create a feedback loop with mentors and those impacted or involved in the addressed topic. Deadline is Monday, May 27, at 11 PM. Deadline (for both programs) is Monday, June 2, at 11 PM.
Expand Massachusetts Stories (Up to $20,000)—At this pivotal time, Massachusetts needs new voices and fresh narratives to meet our challenges. We support organizations that embrace this historical moment as an opportunity to bring communities together to reimagine stories, revitalize traditions, and ignite new ideas for the future. Expand Massachusetts Stories (EMS) grants support projects that collect, interpret, and share narratives about the commonwealth, emphasizing the voices and experiences that have gone unrecognized or have been excluded from public conversation. Letter of Inquiries due June 9.Expand Massachusetts Stories (Up to $20,000)—At this pivotal time, Massachusetts needs new voices and fresh narratives to meet our challenges. We support organizations that embrace this historical moment as an opportunity to bring communities together to reimagine stories, revitalize traditions, and ignite new ideas for the future. Expand Massachusetts Stories (EMS) grants support projects that collect, interpret, and share narratives about the commonwealth, emphasizing the voices and experiences that have gone unrecognized or have been excluded from public conversation. Letter of Inquiries due June 9.
JULY
No applications at the present time.
AUGUST
NEFA’s New England States Touring (NEST) grant funds the public presentation and engagement of a New England artist presented by a New England nonprofit organization. This supports a partnership, so read details carefully before applying. Deadline is August 1.
Motion State Dance Film Series invites filmmakers to submit short films (maximum duration 15 minutes) in which dance and cinematography play equal creative roles to its traveling film festival. Motion State Dance Film Series is excited to explore the ever expanding definitions of “dance” and “choreography,” and is open to including films that use adjacent technologies, such as animation, computer graphics, and puppetry. Deadline is August 10.
Dance/USA Fellowships to Artists (DFA) supports dance and movement-based artists from across the U.S. and its territories who work at the intersection of social and embodied practices. DFA will award $31,000 to at least 25 individual artists, to be used at their own discretion. Artists are invited to submit an initial application by Thursday, August 15, 2024 at 6:00 PM.
SEPTEMBER
Newton Community Pride’s 2024 fall micro grant application opens on August 1. Artists, arts organizations, neighborhood groups, and creatives are encouraged to apply for funding for events, public art, performances, and other projects consistent with our mission of free arts & culture programming, beautification or service. Events/projects must occur in Newton November 2024-March 2025. This application closes on September 1.
Dance Films Association is now accepting submissions for their Dance on Camera Festival 2024. Regular deadline is September 8. Late deadline is September 29.
NEFA’s New England Dance Fund awards small, catalytic grants of $500 to $1,000 directly to choreographers who identify and articulate a critical opportunity that will significantly advance their career in dance. Deadline: September 13.
Foundation for MetroWest Arts & Culture Grant supports artistic and cultural initiatives that prioritize equitable access for all residents, foster connection and collaboration, and stimulate our region. Deadline: September 13, 5 PM.
We Create Fellowship offers feedback, mentorship, workshops, a full production and a payment of $500 per group, upon completion of the festival. Deadline: September 14.
OCTOBER
MCC’s STARS Residency grants provide funds for K-12 schools so that students can spend 3 days or more with teaching artists, scientists, scholars, or cultural organizations. Applicant must be the school, but discuss this opportunity with the teachers you know! Deadline: October 10.
The largest grassroots cultural funding network in the nation, Massachusetts’ Local Cultural Council (LCC) Program enriches the cultural life of all cities and towns in Massachusetts. In most cases you can either be a resident of a community or present work in that community. Special covid-related recovery funds may be included. Check local eligibility. Deadline: October 16.
Apply for Cambridge Arts’ annual grants
- Art for Social Justice Grants ($7,500) support projects that present the themes and ongoing work of social justice to the Cambridge public through the arts.
- Local Cultural Council Grants (up to $5,000) offer funding to individuals and organizations for cultural projects, public art, ticket subsidy programs, cultural field trips for children, and other activities.
- Organizational Investment Grants ($9,000) provide support for operational costs, sustainability, and resiliency to local cultural organizations that benefit Cambridge residents. All deadlines are October 16.
NEFA’s Collective Imagination for Spatial Justice supports teams of artists, creatives, culture bearers, cultural organizers, and/or community-based collaborators to do the important work of imagining public art that fosters and contributes to more just futures for our public spaces and public culture. Project deliverables are not expected or required and grants range from $2,000-$5,000. Deadline: October 21.
Grants for Creative Individuals are unrestricted grants of $5,000 to Massachusetts artists, culture bearers, and creative practitioners to equitably advance creative expression throughout our diverse communities. Deadline: October 24.
Next Steps for Boston Dance supports Greater Boston choreographers creating original work in any dance genre and at any career level, post-college, to move forward and take a “next step” in their careers by providing artists with a broad range of resources. Deadline is October 25.
Dunamis’ Emerging Artist Fellowship Program supports emerging artists in finding their artistic voice with stipends, project implementation funds, free rehearsal space, guest speakers, mentoring and more. Deadline is October 30.
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
NEFA’s Public Art for Spatial Justice grants support Massachusetts artists and artistic collaborations to create public art in Massachusetts that fosters public imagination and contributes to more just futures for our public spaces and public culture and grants range from $15,000-$30,000 for up to two-year grant period beginning March 2025 through February 2027. Deadline December 2.
Mass Cultural Council’s Cultural Facilities Fund grants to support the acquisition, design, repair, rehabilitation, renovation, expansion, or construction of nonprofit cultural facilities. Nonprofit cultural organizations, municipalities, and colleges or universities that own or lease cultural facilities are eligible to apply. Grants range from $7,000 to $200,000. Deadline: December 19, 2024.
CHECK OUT THESE RESOURCES FOR OTHER NATIONAL GRANTS
- The Foundation Center
- National funding opportunities for organizations listed at Dance/USA
- International Association of Blacks In Dance
- American Dance Abroad
PLUS
Through the City Hall Plaza Engagement Grant, the Mayor’s Office of Arts & Culture (MOAC) aims to highlight programming that uplifts Boston’s diverse communities, responds to the current arts and culture climate, and restores the use of City Hall Plaza as a core space for people within the arts and culture sector. Application Due Date: Reviewed on a rolling basis
Career Transition For Dancers at The Entertainment Community Fund (formerly called The Actors Fund) provides support services, professional development grants and more. To learn about additional application criteria as well as the range of services offered by The Actors Fund, dance professionals can register for a bi-weekly national dancer orientation. All dancers, from early career to mid-career to retired from performing, can work with career counselors – at no cost – in person or remotely.