Applications open for Fall Small Grants (United States)

Deadline: 11-Oct-2026

The Foundation for Stage Managers is accepting applications for its fall small grants cycle, providing $2,000 grants to individuals and organizations supporting stage management education, research, conferences, workshops, and community-focused programming. The funding aims to advance stage management careers, encourage knowledge-sharing, and strengthen the professional stage management community.

About the Foundation for Stage Managers Small Grants

The Foundation for Stage Managers provides financial support for activities that promote the professional development and advancement of stage managers. The small grants program supports projects that benefit the broader stage management community, particularly activities focused on education, research, professional development, and knowledge-sharing. Previous grants have supported a range of activities, including conference participation, research projects, training courses, workshops, symposia, and mini-conferences. What Does the Grant Support? The program supports proposals that align with the Foundation’s mission and advance education and professional development within stage management. Examples of previously supported activities include: - Attendance at symposia and conferences. - Stage management research projects. - Training courses. - Workshop fees. - Production of mini-conferences. - Community-focused educational programming. - Knowledge-sharing activities within the stage management community. Grant Amount The Foundation for Stage Managers Small Grants provide funding of: - $2,000 per grant - Funding available through the fall small grants cycle. The grant is intended to support eligible program and professional development activities rather than general organizational operations. Who Can Apply? Eligible applicants include organizations and individuals working to support the stage management community.

Applicants may include:

- 501(c) nonprofit organizations that produce or support stage managers. - Individuals. - Groups of individuals. - Organizations sponsored through a 501(c) fiscal receiver. Applicants should ensure that their proposed activities align with the Foundation’s mission and focus on advancing stage management career education. Focus on Stage Management Career Education Proposals should demonstrate a clear connection to stage management education and professional advancement. The Foundation is interested in activities that help stage managers: - Develop professional skills. - Access educational opportunities. - Participate in conferences and symposia. - Conduct useful research. - Share knowledge with the wider community. - Strengthen career development. - Build connections within the stage management field. Research and Scholarship Requirements Research and scholarship supported through the program should benefit the broader stage management community. All supported research and scholarship must be intended for free distribution within the community. Applicants proposing research should therefore consider how the resulting knowledge or materials will be made accessible to members of the stage management community. What Can Grant Funds Be Used For? Grant funding may be used for eligible program and service costs associated with the proposed activity.

Examples include:

- Program and service costs. - Honorariums. - Travel to conferences. - Production of symposia. - Production of workshops. - Other eligible costs directly connected to supported programming. Applicants should ensure that requested funds are connected to the proposed educational, research, professional development, or community-focused activity. What Does the Grant Not Fund? The Foundation does not provide funding for certain expenses.

Ineligible uses include:

- General operating expenses. - Book publishing. - Purchase of major equipment. Applicants should therefore focus their budgets on specific programmatic and professional development costs that directly support the proposed activity. How to Prepare a Strong Application A strong proposal should clearly demonstrate how the project supports stage managers and advances the Foundation’s mission.

Applicants should explain:

- The purpose of the proposed activity. - How it advances stage management career education. - Who will benefit from the activity. - How the funding will be used. - How the project contributes to professional development or knowledge-sharing. - How research or scholarship will be shared freely with the community, where applicable. The proposal should make a clear connection between the requested funding and the broader advancement of the stage management profession. Why the Small Grants Program Matters Stage managers play an important role in the successful development and production of live performances, but professional development and educational opportunities can involve significant costs. The Foundation for Stage Managers Small Grants provide targeted financial support for conferences, research, training, workshops, and other activities that strengthen professional knowledge and career development. By supporting both individuals and organizations, the program also encourages greater knowledge-sharing and community development within the stage management field. Key Facts About the Foundation for Stage Managers Small Grants

- Program: Foundation for Stage Managers Small Grants

- Application cycle: Fall small grants cycle

- Grant amount: $2,000

- Primary focus: Stage management education and professional development

- Eligible applicants: 501(c) nonprofits, individuals, groups of individuals, and organizations with a 501(c) fiscal receiver

- Supported activities: Research, conferences, symposia, training, workshops, and community programming

- Research requirement: Supported research and scholarship should be freely distributed within the community

- Eligible costs: Program and service costs, honorariums, conference travel, symposia, and workshops

- Ineligible cost