Add some Shakespeare to your community with this grant
Up to $50,000 available
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Tuesday, January 26, 2027
Applications are now open for the 2027-28 cycle of Shakespeare in American Communities, an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.
This national program offers (matching) grant support ranging from $15,000 to $50,000 to nonprofit theater companies bringing Shakespeare-inspired performances and educational activities to their communities. The Phase 1 Application deadline is Jan. 26, 2027. Visit Arts Midwest’s website for complete grant guidelines and to apply.
This year, the maximum grant amount has increased to $50,000, helping connect even more young people across the nation to high-quality theater and learning opportunities. As in previous years, there are three different programs offered as part of this grant:
- Schools Program: Brings Shakespeare-inspired theater and education programs to middle and high schools, with flexibility to perform in community venues. Matching grants range from $15,000 to $50,000.
- Juvenile Justice Program: Engages young people in juvenile justice settings, offering performances and workshops. Non-matching grants range from $15,000 to $50,000.
- Apprenticeships Program: Supports theater companies in providing paid apprenticeships to early-career theater professionals. Matching grants range from $15,000 to $50,000.
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. Organizations may only apply for one Shakespeare in American Communities grant program each year.
In addition to funding, all Shakespeare in American Communities grantees will have the chance to participate in virtual learning sessions and meet for an in-person convening in summer 2028, with travel, lodging, and meals for one representative covered. Theater leaders will trade ideas in cohort breakouts, give presentations about their work, and learn from others across the country.
Applicant Resources
Arts Midwest has created a series of resources for applicants:
- Shakespeare in American Communities Frequently Asked Questions.
- Understanding your Federal Award Requirements.
- How to Build your Federal Award Budget.
- Reporting on your Federal Award.
You can also join Arts Midwest staff for office hours for each program. Click the dates to sign up.
Apprenticeships Program
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- Dec. 14, 2026, from 1-2 p.m. CT.
- Jan. 18, 2027, from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. CT.
Schools Program
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- Dec. 15, 2026, from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. CT.
- Jan. 18, 2027, from 1-2 p.m. CT.
Juvenile Justice Program
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- Dec. 15, 2026, from 1-2 p.m. CT.
- Jan. 20, 2027, from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. CT.
How to Apply
- Visit Arts Midwest’s website for complete guidelines for each program and what information is required to apply.
- Register your organization in Arts Midwest’s SmartSimple grant portal.
- Intent to Apply deadline: Jan. 26, 2027. Arts Midwest will confirm applicant eligibility and forward to the application stage.
- Full application deadline: Feb. 9, 2027
About…
Shakespeare in American Communities
Shakespeare in American Communities is a theater program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. Since 2003, Shakespeare in American Communities has supported over 16,000 performances and 60,000 educational activities, engaging more than 4,700 communities across all 50 states. Grants are awarded to nonprofit theater companies and help bring theater to middle and high schools, juvenile justice facilities, and other community spaces.
The National Endowment for the Arts
Established by Congress in 1965, the National Endowment for the Arts is an independent federal agency that is the largest funder of the arts and arts education in communities nationwide and a catalyst of public and private support for the arts. By advancing opportunities for arts participation and practice, the Arts Endowment fosters and sustains an environment in which the arts benefit everyone in the United States. To learn more, visit Arts.gov.
Arts Midwest
Arts Midwest supports, informs, and celebrates Midwestern creativity. We build community and opportunity across Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, the Native Nations that share this geography, and beyond. As one of six nonprofit United States Regional Arts Organizations, Arts Midwest works to strengthen local arts and culture efforts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, state agencies, private funders, and many others. Learn more at ArtsMidwest.org.