NOTE: Applications for 2019-20 Project Grants have closed.
Manbites Dog Theater Company — through its Theater Fund — will award grants to theater artists and organizations for the 2019-20 fiscal year to encourage and support theater productions in the Triangle region (Durham, Wake, Orange, and Chatham Counties). Projects must take place between September 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020. Grant requests may range from $500 to $2,500, and must be matched 3-to-1 in the project budget (in other words, the grant request cannot exceed 25% of the project budget).
All are welcome to apply. For organizations, preference will be given to those with an annual operating budget under $200,000.
We are especially interested in supporting projects that:
- experiment with form
- engage with our current world
- promote new work
- pay artists
- pioneer alternative performance spaces
- explore issues of social justice
- challenge audiences
- champion diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility.
Click Here to Apply Now
Frequently Asked Questions
Who may apply?
Applicants can be individual theater artists or theater organizations, and must be based in the Triangle region (Durham, Wake, Orange, or Chatham Counties) with a history of creating theater.
Does an applicant have to be a 501(c)3 organization?
No, individual artists and companies without 501(c)3 status may also apply. (Note that non-501(c)3 recipients and individual artists are subject to taxes on grant income.)
Will you accept more than one grant application from the same applicant for multiple projects?
No. Grant requests are limited to one per applicant/organization/project.
What projects are eligible for grants?
Grant applications should be for production support of a single project. It must be a theater or theater-related event, open to the public, and held in the Triangle between September 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020. It should feature predominately local theater artists. Possible projects include stage productions, staged readings, theater festivals, theater workshops/symposia, and more. Not sure if your project qualifies? Ask us.
Are school projects eligible?
For this cycle of grants, we are not funding projects produced by public or private schools or colleges or theater organizations affiliated with them. (This does not exclude outside groups using a school performance space as a venue.)
What other projects are not eligible?
For this first round of grants, we are not funding requests for support of such things as brick and mortar building purchases or repairs, equipment purchases, theater classes, residencies, staff salaries, or other non-production related expenses. Again, if you’re not sure, ask us.
How much may I apply for?
For this cycle, you may apply for a minimum of $500 and a maximum of $2,500. Grants must be matched 3 to 1.
How does matching work?
Your grant request may not exceed 25% of your total project budget. The rest must come from other sources. Examples: if the total project budget is $5,000, the maximum grant request is $1,250. If the total project budget is $10,000 (or more) the maximum grant request is $2,500.
Who evaluates the applications?
A panel of artists, arts professionals, and arts allies will evaluate the applications in July and recommend grant awards to the Manbites Dog Theater Board of Directors, who will give final approval on grant awards.
When can I apply?
You can apply online beginning 9:00 a.m. Wednesday May 8, 2019. The application form will be available on the Manbites Dog website at that time.
How do I apply?
You may apply online via the website application form. (You also have the option to apply by downloading and printing out the application, filling it out, and submitting a hard copy to us. Contact us for more information on how to submit a physical copy of the grant application.)
When is the deadline to apply?
2019-20 grant applications must be received (or postmarked if submitting a physical copy) by 5:00 p.m. Monday June 17, 2019.
When are grants awards announced?
We expect to announce grant awards and send out contracts before the end of August 2019.
When are grant payments sent out?
Within one month of receipt of signed contracts.
What are the reporting requirements?
Grant recipients will be required to fill out and submit a grant report documenting their project in June of 2020. Grant report details and submission due date TBA.
What if I still have questions?
If you have questions not answered here, you can email us at manbitesdogtheater@gmail.com. Please include the phrase “grant questions” in the subject line. We also have scheduled a public Q&A for potential grant applicants at the Durham Arts Council on Tuesday May 14 beginning at 6:30 p.m.