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Grants to USA Nonprofits for the Development and Production of Creative Puppet Theater Performances

Artist Grants


Agency
Foundation

GrantWatch ID#
178153

Funding Source
The Jim Henson Foundation
Array ( )

Geographic Focus
All USA

Important Dates
LOI Date: 03/06/23
Deadline: 09/05/23 Save

Grant Description
Grants of $3,000, grants of $4,000, and grants of $7,000 to USA nonprofit organizations for the development and production of creative puppet theater performances. Applicants are required to submit an LOI prior to a full grant application. Funding is intended for new works of excellent live puppet theater.

The Jim Henson Foundation awards grants each year for the creation of innovative works of contemporary puppet theater. The Foundation's definition of a puppet is an object that is given the appearance of life through direct or indirect manipulation by the human hand. The Foundation judges applications based on the excellence of the puppetry including puppet design, manipulation, and theatrical execution. 

Please note that the Foundation will prioritize work that can continue beyond a premiere. The Foundation looks for shows that will live on through multiple performances with the potential to tour both nationally and internationally.

Grant Types:

  • 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; keep in mind, however, that a Production Grant does not need to be preceded by a Workshop grant and a Workshop Grant in no way ensures a future Production Grant.
  • Family Grant fund the development of new and innovative work specifically for children, families, and teenagers. Please keep in mind that Family Grants will be evaluated by the same high artistic standards as works for adults.


Recipient

Additional Eligibility Criteria
Awards can be made only to IRS tax-exempt organizations. The Foundation welcomes applications from individual artists, but those without 501(c)(3) non-profit status must apply through a fiscal sponsor with this non-profit status. Applications for international collaborations are accepted, but the primary artist must be a US citizen. The project needs to be presented in the United States and ideally developed and workshopped in the United States as well. Projects that will only take place outside of the United States are not eligible for funding.

Artists who received a grant in the previous year are not eligible to submit a proposal in the current year. Artists who received a Workshop Grant in the previous year are eligible to apply in the current year, but only for a Production Grant to further develop the previously funded piece.

The Foundation does not award funds for the presentation or remounting of existing work.

Ineligible
The Foundation does not fund:
- Publications
- Parades
- Pageants
- Exhibitions
- Spectacle
- Festivals
- Film or television projects
- Projects for school credit
- Workshops
- Education or outreach activities
- Purely digital performance
- Purely digital performance
- Muppet-style puppetry
- Traditional puppetry
- Puppetry performed by students
- Works in which the majority of the building, rehearsal or performance takes place outside of the United States

Pre-Application Information
2024 Granting Cycle:
- March 6, 2023: Letter of intent online submission deadline
- June 1, 2023: Notification of application status
- September 5, 2023: Full proposal online submission deadline
- December 4, 2023: Final notification
- January 2, 2024: Funds become available

It is best to contact the Foundation with any questions well in advance of the application deadlines.

FAQs: https://www.hensonfoundation.org/grants/grant-application-faq/

Estimated Size of Grant
- 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.

Term of Contract
Workshop Grants and Production Grants can be combined over a two year period. Grants cannot be applied retroactively; substantial portions of a proposed project must take place after the funds are awarded.

Contact Information
Submit a Letter of Intent Online: https://spaces.hightail.com/uplink/HensonFoundation

Queries: 212.439.7504 or info@hensonfoundation.org

The Jim Henson Foundation
37-18 Northern Blvd., Suite 400
Long Island City, NY
11101

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