The Little Venue That Could Grant Program

The Little Venue That Could Grant Program

Status: Ongoing biennial program (2025 cycle completed; next cycle year unknown)

Geographic Scope: New York City

Focus Areas: General operating support for small indie theater, dance, and multidisciplinary venues

Award Amount: $10,000 per year for two years (total $20,000 over two-year period)

Eligibility:

NYC-based indie theater, dance, and multidisciplinary performance venues

Fewer than 99 seats

Expense budgets under $500,000

Venues established by, for, and serving historically excluded artists

Venues demonstrating community impact, board and staff diversity, and accessibility

Priority Criteria (weighted toward):

Venues located in the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island

Venues whose NEA funding was withdrawn or terminated

Venues established by and serving historically excluded artists

Venues demonstrating values-driven work through community impact

Venues with diverse boards and staff

Venues with strong accessibility practices

Grant Type: Unrestricted general operating grants

Program History:

Developed in partnership with The Howard Gilman Foundation

2025 cycle: 62 applications received; 10 venues awarded

2025 recipients: Brooklyn Art Haus, Dixon Place, Green Space, Inspiration Point, IRT Theater, New Perspectives Studio, Noosphere Arts (Noo Arts), QED Astoria, St. Lydia's, The Little Victory Theatre

Selection Process: Weighted lottery system

Applications reviewed and scored by review committee

Priority given to venues meeting weighted criteria

All applicants entered into random lottery

Contact: hello@indiespace.org

Background: Partnership with The Howard Gilman Foundation to provide sustained support for small venues that are foundational to NYC's indie theater ecosystem.