THRIVE! Uplifting Theatres of Color - Eligibility

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Doris Duke Charitable Foundations' logo and TCG's logo
This grant program is being offered with generous support from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation (arts@ddcf.org).

The mission of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation is to improve the quality of people’s lives through grants supporting the performing arts, environmental conservation, medical research and the prevention of child abuse, and through preservation of the cultural and environmental legacy of Doris Duke’s properties. For more information, you can visit www.ddcf.org.


Overview | Grant Categories | Intended Recipients | BITOC Funding Facts | Timeline | Eligibility | How to Apply | What is REBUILD? | FAQs | Advisory Circle

Is our theatre eligible?

THRIVE! embraces the broadest range of models and methods for theatre-making and understands that theatres are not uniform in aesthetic, approach, context, structure or delivery. At its core, theatre is an expressive and collaborative art form using any combination of words, voice, movement, media and visual elements to convey an idea, emotion or feeling. Programming activities may include development of new work; readings; workshops; educational activities; community conversations; podcasts; touring; work located in community venues; in addition to fully produced work on a mainstage.

Note that leadership, staff and core members of applicant organizations are not required to provide proof of US citizenship.


For both RESPOND and RECOGNIZE

Eligible applicants in both RESPOND and RECOGNIZE will fully meet the following criteria:

  • Self-identification as a BITOC organization (founded by, for, about, with and near) based in the US (including Tribal Nations and US Territories) with organizational documents and platforms confirming this self-identification.
  • Evidence of theatre as a central throughline in activities and programming
  • Evidence of serving and engaging BIPOC community/communities

In addition:

Respond


RESPOND applicants must have either a:

  • 501(c)(3) for their organization

OR

  • Fiscal sponsorship by an entity with a tax-exempt status

OR

  • Certificate of Incorporation

OR

  • If the applicant organization has not incorporated yet, a lead contact person who is able to receive taxable income in the US.

RESPOND applicants must also have a:
  • Minimum of six months prior existence as a theatre organization with documented activities, an intention to continue operations and a lead contact person. Organizations and companies formed for a single project and moment in time are not eligible.
  • Evidence of operations (other than in-kind revenue) as a theatre organization. This may include bank statements, payroll sheets, balance sheets, Profit & Loss statement. Applicants will be able to indicate in-kind contributions on the application form.

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Recognize


RECOGNIZE applicants must have:

  • 501(c)(3) for their organization or fiscal sponsorship by an entity with tax-exempt status. 
  • Minimum of two years prior existence as a theatre organization with documented activities and an intention to continue operations
  • Evidence of operations (other than in-kind revenue) as a theatre organization.This may include bank statements, payroll sheets, balance sheets, Profit & Loss statement.  Applicants will be able to indicate in-kind contributions in the FIscal Information section of the application.
Recognizing the broad structural and institutionalized barriers faced by BITOC in their operations and ability to program, the applicant’s organizational operating budget size will not determine the amount of funding. As the DeVos Institute reported in its 2015 study of Diversity in the Arts, “the 20 largest mainstream organizations have a median budget of $61 million; the 20 largest organizations of color have a median budget size of $3.8 million.” A difference of 16 times in median budget size is a glaring illustration of disparity.

THRIVE! recognizes and values the cultural wealth, community assets, and relationships that have historically been structural strengths of BITOC. RECOGNIZE applicants will have an opportunity to include in-kind contributions on the application form, as well as earned and contributed income. In-kind support may include use of space, services, equipment, supplies or meals. Applicants will be asked to provide a best estimate of the value of all in-kind contributions.

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