About Grants
Theatre Bay Area's grant program supports individual theatremakers and small theatre companies for a more equitable and robust theatre ecosystem.
Each year we fund over 30 projects, enabling new work development, career growth, capacity building, and performances unique to the Bay Area.
Are you a Bay Area theatremaker with projects to fund? We developed these grants to meet the real financial needs of our community with a particular focus on getting money into the hands of artists who have been historically left out of traditional funding. Whether you’re looking to get your next project off the ground, trying to take the next step in your career, or cover an unexpected medical emergency, we’re here to help.
Arts Leadership Residency
This residency funds aspiring artistic directors and managing directors in residence at Bay Area theatres for a 12-16 week residency during which the residents with be mentored by the artistic and/or managing director and lead a significant project during the season. Applications require both the resident and company to commit to the project, so apply with someone you know or attend our matchmaking session to meet your potential new collaborator!
CA$H Theatre Grant
The CA$H Grant Program — short for Creative Assistance for the Small (Organization) and Hungry (Artist) — provides vital financial support to individual theatre artists and small theatre companies in the San Francisco Bay Area. Founded in 1999, these grants support individual artists, collaborative teams, and small companies in creating projects ranging from capacity-building initiatives to fully-produced productions. Starting in 2022, CA$H now also provides general operating support for small theatre companies as well with our new grant, CA$H Sustains.
Mary Mason Memorial Lemonade Fund
A confidential resource for theatre practitioners with critical illnesses, conditions, or injuries who are in need of supplemental financial assistance. Any resident of the San Francisco Bay Area who has been an active participant in the theatre community — regardless of the income derived from that work — in at least two of the past five years and is currently living with a critical illness, condition, or injury is eligible to apply for the program. Applicants can request $250, $500, or $1000.
Rella Lossy Award
The Rella Lossy Award honors an emerging playwright and the professionally-oriented theatre presenting a full-length world premiere by that playwright during the granting period. The award goes to the playwright and the producing company.
RHE Artistic Fellowship
The RHE Foundation Artistic Fellowship makes a significant investment in an individual female or nonbinary artist of color that will allow her to take the next step in their career. Nominees are selected by a diverse panel of established Bay Area theatre professionals.
RHE Quick Grant
The purpose of the RHE Quick Grant is to allow a theatre artist to take advantage of a particular, time-sensitive opportunity that has a potential impact on their career. The application will be vetted by Theatre Bay Area and RHE Charitable Foundation staff, as well as other key advisors as necessary. Requests can be made in amounts ranging from $200 to $2000 (partial awards may be given).
Will Glickman Award
The prestigious Will Glickman Award celebrates excellence in playwriting by selecting the best new play to premiere in the region each year. Named in honor of Bay Area playwright and screenwriter Will Glickman, this award has been presented annually since 1984. The winner is chosen by a panel of leading Bay Area theatre critics.
