Jim Henson Foundation

The Jim Henson Foundation awards grants each year for the creation and development of innovative excellent works of puppet theater. Production Grants are awarded for the production of new works ready to be presented in the coming year. Workshop Grants are for the development and workshopping of these pieces. Workshop Grants and Production Grants can be combined over a two year period for the greatest benefit to the piece; however, a Production Grant does not need to be preceded by a Workshop grant and a Workshop Grant does not ensure a future Production Grant. Family Grants fund the development of new and innovative work specifically for children, families, and teenagers.

Grants are made only for the development of new works of excellent live puppet theater. The Foundation does not award funds for the presentation or remounting of existing work. Puppet performance needs to be an integral element of any proposed project. While the Foundation will consider productions that utilize other media and genres, a major portion of the piece must feature puppetry that is well-executed in both design and performance. The Foundation will prioritize work that can continue beyond a premiere. It looks for shows that will live on through multiple performances with the potential to tour nationally and even internationally.

Amount: Production Grants of $7,000 are awarded for the production of new works ready to be presented in the coming year. Workshop Grants of $3,000 are for the development and workshopping of these pieces. Family Grants of $4,000 fund the development of new and innovative work specifically for children, families, and teenagers.

Eligibility: IRS tax-exempt organizations. Applications from individual artists without 501(c)(3) non-profit status must apply through a fiscal sponsor. Applications for international collaborations are accepted, but the primary artist and fiscal sponsor must be a US citizen. Projects that will only take place outside of the United States are not eligible for funding.

Link: http://www.hensonfoundation.org/index.php/grant-application/artist-grants

Note: The March 11, 2019 deadline is for Letters of Intent. If invited to apply, full proposals will be due September 9, 2019.

This post was filed under: