Grants + Residency Calendar

2023 Grant 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, especially during covid, 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 2023

The Dance Complex’s a MAKE iT / SHARE iT / SHOW iT (aMaSSiT): Mentoring Lab, a collaboration with Monkeyhouse, offers sessions that include working with subject matters and realms of thought that are driven by individualized areas of investigation. These can include awareness of societal concerns – justice, humanity, environment – but are not limited to these examples. The lab brings tenets of choreography into dialogue with passionate subject areas, deepening the skill and craft to effectively communicate through the craft of performance/dance making. Deadline Monday Jan 30 @ 11:59pm.

The Jean McDonough Arts Center (JMAC) in Worcester is providing generous subsidies and other funding to help creatives present work at the JMAC – rent subsidy, project sponsorships and more, all made possible by the Barr Foundation. Info session is on Thursday, January 19, 6 PM, and deadline for first round applications is Tuesday, January 31 at midnight.

The Cultural Space Fund aims to increase the amount of physical space in Boston secured for cultural uses long-term, increase the power for artists, creative workers and cultural organizations as it relates to their spaces and increased access to existing cultural spaces (including physical access, affordability, operating hours). Applications for this first year of the Cultural Space Fund will be reviewed every 2 weeks. You will receive notification of the outcome of your application within 2 weeks of your application being reviewed.

First round of reviews: submit by Tuesday, 31 January 2023 (5pm)
Final round of reviews: submit by Tuesday, 11 April (5pm)

If your application does not receive funding following the first round of reviews, it will remain in the pool for consideration in subsequent review rounds. Funding disbursement will happen between February and June 2023.

FEBRUARY

Cultural Investment Grant from The Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture’s (MOAC) Cultural Investment Grant (CIG) is a $10 million multi-year investment through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). It aims to grow and sustain arts and cultural organizations that have a clear vision of a creative, equitable, and more just city. CIG will build capacity for organizations working with communities in Boston who have been most harmed by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly communities of color. Grant amounts will range from $600,000-$3 million distributed over four years. All organizations that clearly meet the criteria and eligibility outlined in the Cultural Investment Grant are invited to submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) by February 1, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. Letters of inquiry will be reviewed for eligibility and alignment by a cohort of MOAC staff over a series of three rounds. Following reviewing all LOI submissions, MOAC will invite organizations that strongly meet the criteria and eligibility for the Cultural Investment Grant to submit a full application. The Community Advisory Team will work in partnership with organizations invited to formally apply to submit a full application by Monday, March 13, 2023. The Cultural Investment Grant application process will consist of interviews with the Cultural Advisory Team (CAT). The CAT will interview the leader(s) of the organization, one staff member and at least one community member. At least seven organizations will be selected for the CIG.

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 February 9, 11:59 PM EST.

The Bruce J. Anderson Foundation supports organizations providing arts programs on Cape Ann (specifically, the communities of Gloucester, Rockport, Essex and Manchester) and the Nashoba Valley (specifically, the communities of Harvard, Ayer, Groton, Pepperell, Shirley and Townsend. Requests are sought in the $2,500 to $12,000 range for activities that occur after July 1, 2022. Deadline is February 22.

Cambridge Community Foundation Spring Grants Cycle is now accepting applications by nonprofits seeking unrestricted covid relief. Deadline is Monday, February 13.

MARCH

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 March 1, 2023.

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 deadline is March 1.

Rhode Island Women’s 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 due March 3 and March 10 respectively. You may submit applications for both categories. Performance dates at Festival Ballet Providence will be August 25-27.

Dance and Theatre Artist-in-Residence Vineyard Arts Project’s (VAP) annual open call for artists-in-residence on Martha’s Vineyard provides visiting artists with the necessary time and rehearsal space. Deadline is March 4.

The 2023 LEAD Lehman Scholarships offer financial assistance to attend the 2023 Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability Conference to those who are underrepresented in the fields of cultural access and arts administration currently working in or pursuing a degree in those fields. Scholarship amounts will vary from $200.00 to $900.00 and will be awarded to twenty-five individuals. In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria, the scholarship candidate must include a brief statement describing the anticipated impact participating in the 2023 LEAD Conference will have on the applicant’s career. Applicants are also asked to submit an estimated travel budget. Deadline to apply is Wednesday, March 15.

The 2023 Competitive Grant Program, (a program by the Community Endowment of Lexington) awards grants to nonprofits and town agencies working in the areas of health and human services, arts and culture, the environment, and community building. If you are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit or a town agency serving the Lexington community, we encourage you to consider this opportunity for funding. Proposals for grants of up to $7,000 will be considered; the typical grant will range from $1,000 to $5,000. Deadline is 5 PM on Friday, March 17.

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. As part of the EMS grant program, Mass Humanities will also offer Advancing Equity Track grants to 15 applicants whose projects are led by people from historically excluded communities, and whose organizations meet additional criteria. The Advancing Equity Track applications are open with Letter of Inquiries due on Monday, March 20.

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 March 29, 2023 by 11:59 PM EST for engagements between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024.

The City of Boston established a grant to assist presenters with costs to produce in the Strand Theatre. It is open to organizations or individuals. For FY2023-2024 there will be three to five-week blocks on the Strand calendar set aside for dance and theater producers as part of this grant program. These grants are for all forms of performance expression in dance, music, theatre, film, and video. Grantees are encouraged to expand on a past production or create something completely new. Deadline March 31.

APRIL

Final round of reviews: submit by Tuesday 11 April (5pm)

The Somerville Arts Council’s annual multicultural arts festival 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 37th year and features an eclectic mix of music, dance, theater, food, performance, and interactive activities. Art Beat Somerville invites dancers and dance companies to apply. Deadline is April 17.

The Massachusetts Statewide Capacity-Building Grant helps artists strengthen their creative practice, pursue values-driven careers, build mutually-supportive networks and find resources to achieve long term sustainability and self-determination. Applicants must live or work in Massachusetts and currently self-identify as one of the following: BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color), an active caretaker of a child or adult, an immigrant, veteran, LGBTQIA+, formerly incarcerated, or living with a disability or housing insecurity. Application deadline is April 17.

MAY

Looking for funds for your next dance film in either development, production, or post-production? Apply to the Dance Films Association’s Production Grant. Application deadline is May 9, 11:59 PM. Notifications will be sent out on June 19. Individual Membership to Dance Films Association is required to apply for the Production Grant.

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. As part of the EMS grant program, Mass Humanities will also offer Advancing Equity Track grants to 15 applicants whose projects are led by people from historically excluded communities, and whose organizations meet additional criteria. Applications for the EMS Open Track opens Monday, March 20, with applications due on Monday, May 22.

The Massachusetts Cultural Council’s Festivals Program provides funding and resources designed to help festival programmers meet the needs of producing, promoting, and developing festival audiences. Festival producers may apply for a grant for producing an online, hybrid or in-person festival OR for festival audience development and engagement. Deadline May 23.

The Boston Dancemakers Residency supports Boston-area dance artists who are striving to develop, adapt or reinvent their creative process. Produced through a partnership between Boston Dance Alliance (BDA) and Boston Center for the Arts (BCA) the residency serves as a laboratory for ideas that are in the exploratory phase and need dedicated time and space to be fully realized. Designed to promote artistic growth and the development of original ensemble work, dancemakers will be offered support for research, development, rehearsal, financial and production phases of their project. Resources include a regional three-day retreat, eight weeks of intensive studio time, discounted rehearsal space, dancemaker and collaborator stipends, production and marketing support for work-in-progress showings, and rehearsal pay for up to six dancers. Deadline is Tuesday, May 30, at 9 AM.

The Boston Center for the Arts has added a layer of artistic development in the form of their Dance Lab Residency to further broaden support for more local dancers and dancemakers. This 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 Tuesday, May 30, at 9 AM.

JUNE

Apply to participate in OnStage 360°, a performance series of dance work performed in the round! Local choreographers and dance companies are invited to apply to perform and all dance styles are welcome. Application Deadline: June 12. Notification of Acceptance: June 15. Event Date: July 29 at Arts at the Armory, Somerville. Performance groups will receive a stipend, additional ticket commissions, and photos and videos of the event.

Apply to be a part of the 4th 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. Early Application Deadline: June 20. Early Acceptance Notified by: July 10. Final Application Deadline: August 7. Final Acceptance Notified by: August 14.

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.

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. Apply by August 1. For further questions contact: Kevin Bradley Jr. at kbradley@ballettheatre.org.

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 5.

The Boston Dance Film Festival is accepting submissions. You can submit your film through our Film Freeway page and if you have any questions feel free email info@bostondancefilmfestival.com. Submission fees range from $10-$50 depending on the length of the film and deadline. Deadline is August 9. The festival will take place October 21, 2023 at the Somerville Theater!

FY23 Arts and Culture Community Impact Grant Fund of Combined Jewish Philanthropies supports artists, enriches our community through culture, and explores the depth of Jewish experience and memory. Applicants may apply as an individual or as a collaboration among multiple artists. One $25,000 grant for a multidisciplinary collaborative project that includes Jewish and BIPOC artists (may be the same people) plus 10 $7,500 grants. Letters of Intent due by 5:00 p.m. August 31

SEPTEMBER

Newton Community Pride’s 2023 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 2023-March 2024. 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 15.

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 15.

USArtists International® (USAI) provides support of artists appearing in international festivals and performing arts marketplaces. Grants are up to $18,000 toward eligible expenses. Three deadlines per year, tied to performance dates. For projects taking place between January 15, 2024 and June 30, 2025 deadline is September 29. Fiscal Sponsor certification and letters of invitation are due by October 6, 2023

OCTOBER

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 17.

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 17

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 24

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 17.

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 23.

NOVEMBER

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 November 17.

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 2024 through February 2026. Deadline December 4.

TheMAP fund’s 2024 grant cycle is open. In this cycle, MAP will invest $2.8M in the performance sector, the largest amount to date. Application for funding and reviewer interest form are open until December 19 at 5:00 PM ET.

Note: Mass Cultural Council Artists Fellowships in Choreography resume in late 2023 for the 2024 grant cycle.

CHECK OUT THESE RESOURCES FOR OTHER NATIONAL GRANTS

PLUS

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.