The Jim Henson Foundation awards grants annually to support the creation of innovative new works of contemporary puppet theater. The Foundation defines a puppet as any object given the appearance of life through manipulation. It offers three types of grants: Workshop Grants ($3,000), Production Grants ($7,000), and Family Grants ($4,000), all for the development of new puppetry works.
Information and Application Details:
- Grant Types: Workshop Grants, Production Grants, Family Grants
- Grant Periods:
- Workshop Grants: For development and workshopping of puppetry pieces.
- Production Grants: For production of new works ready to premiere.
- Family Grants: For works specifically for children, families, and teenagers.
- Funding Restrictions: Grants only for developing new full-length works, not for remounts or presentations of existing works. Funding cannot be used for publications, parades, film, or educational projects.
- Application deadline: March 4, 2025
Eligibility:
- General: Applicants must submit a letter of intent by March 3, 2025, followed by a full proposal by September 9, 2025, if selected.
- Non-Profit Requirement: Only IRS tax-exempt organizations can receive grants, but individual artists can apply through a fiscal sponsor.
- International Applicants: International collaborations are accepted, but the primary artist must be a US citizen and the project must be presented in the US.
Theme:
The grants support new works of live puppet theater, particularly innovative, full-length projects that utilize puppetry in design and performance.
How to Apply:
- Letter of Intent:
- Submit by March 3, 2025, containing a description of the project, puppetry details, team members, and timeline.
- Include a 1-page visual (photograph, sketch, or illustration of the puppets).
- Submit via online submission (no additional materials beyond the letter and visual).
- Full Proposal:
- If invited, submit by September 9, 2025, including a project description, budget, artist bio, and visuals.
- Include a video showcasing puppetry (3-4 minutes, 2GB max).
- Submit via Hightail:
- Hightail Link: Submit here
Submission Requirements:
- Letter of Intent (PDF)
- Full Proposal (multi-page PDF including project description, budget, artist bios, visuals, and video footage)
- Fiscal sponsor letter (if applicable)
- Proof of IRS 501(c)(3) status (for non-profit organizations)
Selection Process:
- Applications are reviewed by a board.
- Applicants will be notified of decisions by June 5, 2025, for the letter of intent phase, and by December 9, 2025, for the full proposal phase.
Program Benefits/Awards:
- Workshop Grants: $3,000 for development.
- Production Grants: $7,000 for production of new works.
- Family Grants: $4,000 for works aimed at children and families.
- Fund Usage: Grants must be used for the puppetry aspects of the project, including puppet building and performance.
- IRS 501(c)(3) requirement for organizational grants.
Contact and Resources:
Phone: 212.439.7504
Email: info@hensonfoundation.org
Website link:
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