Applications are now open for the 2026-27 cycle of Shakespeare in American Communities, a national program that offers support to nonprofit theater companies bringing Shakespeare-inspired performances and educational activities to their communities.
Donor Name: Arts Midwest
State: All States
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Matching Grants | Program
Deadline: 01/29/2026
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
Shakespeare in American Communities provides grants of up to $30,000 that connect young people across the country to Shakespeare’s plays. Grants support performances and workshops in schools and in the justice system, and apprenticeships for early-career theater professionals.
Funding Information
Shakespeare in American Communities is a theater program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. It offers three grant opportunities for eligible nonprofit theater organizations:
- Schools Program: Supports Shakespeare-related performances and educational activities for middle and high school students. Matching grants range from $15,000 to $25,000.
- Juvenile Justice Program: Brings Shakespeare-related theater experiences to juvenile justice facilities. Non-matching grants range from $15,000 to $25,000.
- Apprenticeship Program: Provides paid apprenticeships for early-career theater professionals in administrative and technical roles. The programming that apprentices support does NOT have to be Shakespeare related. Matching grants range from $20,000-$30,000.
Eligibility Criteria
Nonprofit theater organizations with at least two years of relevant experience for their chosen grant opportunity are welcome to apply. Take a short eligibility quiz to find out which opportunity is the best fit for your organization.
For more information, visit Arts Midwest.
