Tri-M Foundation: Performing Arts Grant Program

The Tri-M Foundation's Performing Arts Grant Program aims to support innovative and high-quality performing arts projects by regional non-profit organizations. The program prioritizes projects that align with the organization's mission, engage audiences, and provoke important discussions. Grants range from $3,000 to $10,000, intended for diverse artistic expressions, including theatre and dance. Applications are encouraged from eligible organizations that demonstrate detailed project planning, inclusivity, and a commitment to addressing sensitive topics.

The mission of the Tri-M Foundation is to cultivate and promote the production and presentation of regional performing and media arts, through grants and gifts to new and established arts organizations and educational institutions, and through our own salons and publications.
In 2025 – 2026, we are awarding grants in the disciplines of Theatre (plays) and Dance.
The purpose of the Program is to support the development and presentation of innovative, high-quality performing arts projects by regional non-profit arts organizations.
Grant Program Priorities: What We're Looking for in a Proposal
Proposed projects must comply with the applicant’s established mission and vision, be a featured project in the organization’s season, and demonstrate detailed planning. We want to see projects that encourage artists to produce their best work, enthrall audiences, and provoke important discussions. Ideal projects for this grant take a unique regional perspective and address a location's culture, history, aesthetic, or character.
We invite organizations to submit proposals for projects that address sensitive topics, controversial politics, and uncomfortable subjects.  Grantees must make their programs open and accessible to all members of the public, regardless of sex, race, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual preference, or gender expression.
Award Information
Award Range: $3,000 – $10,000.
Project Periods: Maximum of 12 months following the award; at this time, the Program does NOT fund multi-year projects.
Anticipated Number of Awards: 5 - 7 awards per year.

Eligibility

Eligible OrganizationsThree categories of arts organizations are eligible for funding under the Program:Small to medium size non-profit arts organizations that possess an active 501(c)(3) designation, have been in operation for a minimum of 2 years, and have an annual operating budget of under $1,000,000 Non-profit umbrella arts organizations that produce performing arts festivals and propose to fund the participation of individual artists or arts organizations that have not obtained 501(c)(3) status (operating budget limitations do not apply), or Individual artists or small arts organizations that have not obtained 501(c)(3) status who identify a non-profit umbrella arts organizations with an active 501(c)(3) that has agreed to serve as the fiscal sponsor for the project; a memorandum of understanding between the fiscal sponsor and the applicant or a formal letter sanctioning the project must be submitted with the application.  Note that operating budget and 2-year minimum work history limitations do not apply for the applicant but do apply for the fiscal sponsor. Grants awarded under this category are made to the sponsoring organization.Eligible Grant ActivitiesGrant funds may be used for the following activities: Development and presentation of new worksDevelopment and presentation of new performing arts mediumsRegional premieres of new worksPresentation of works for new audiencesPerformances related to performing arts research (e.g. producing and performing ancient music with reconstructed authentic instruments)Touring/traveling/housing expenses for artists and performing arts technicians Travel expenses for artists and technicians to attend and present works at arts festivalsScenic and properties design and constructionProject-specific marketing expenses

Ineligibility

Grant funds may NOT be used to support the following activities:General operating support for the organizationGrants to individuals – unless an established non-profit arts organization with an active 501(c)(3) designation serves as their fiscal sponsor, such as in a performing arts festivalProjects that rely on volunteer labor from artists (all artists/technicians involved in the project must be compensated with at least a $200 stipend, if not compensated at a professional level)Travel for attendance at academic or professional conferences Projects that will not receive at least one public performance or presentationPolitical demonstrations or protests (dramatic or musical works about protests or that were developed during historical protests are acceptable)Projects intended to influence legislation or to support candidates for political officeProjects intended for religious or doctrinal purposesActivities that violate local, state, or federal law