The Shubert Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $40 million (most recent grant cycle)
• Number of Grantees: 653 organisations
• Decision Time: Approximately 6-8 months from application to notification
• Grant Range: $15,000 - $325,000+
• Geographic Focus: United States (national)
• Application Cycle: Fixed annual deadlines

Contact Details

Address: 234 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036-3909

Phone: (212) 944-3777 (Best time to call: June to mid-November)

Website: https://www.shubertfoundation.org/

EIN: 13-6106961

Overview

The Shubert Foundation, established in 1945 by Lee and J.J. Shubert to honour their brother Sam, is the nation's largest funder dedicated to unrestricted funding of not-for-profit theatres and dance companies. The foundation launched its grants programme in 1977 and has since distributed over $653 million to arts organisations throughout the United States. In its most recent grant cycle, the foundation awarded a record $40 million in unrestricted grants to 653 not-for-profit theatres, dance companies, academic theatre training programmes, and related service agencies nationwide. The foundation's mission is to sustain and advance live performing arts in the United States, with particular emphasis on theatre and a secondary focus on dance. The foundation is unique in the field for providing unrestricted general operating support grants, allowing organisations flexibility in how they use awarded funds.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

Theatre Programme (Primary Focus - approximately 73% of funding)

• Grant Range: $15,000 - $325,000+
• Supports approximately 484 professional resident theatres
• Minimum operating expenses: $150,000
• Application deadline: Early December (6pm ET annually)
• Financial statements deadline: Early February (annually)

Dance Programme (Secondary Focus - approximately 17% of funding)

• Grant Range: $15,000+
• Supports approximately 115 dance companies
• Minimum operating expenses: $150,000
• Budget range typically: $150,000 - $1,000,000
• Minimum 8 ticketed professional performances annually required
• Application deadline: Mid-October (6pm ET annually)
• Financial statements deadline: Mid-December (annually)

Arts Related Programme

• Limited awards to arts-related organisations and service agencies
• Application deadline: Mid-October (6pm ET annually)

Shubert Scholars Programme

• Supports MFA theatre training programmes
• Application deadline: Mid-October (6pm ET annually)

NYC Department of Education Programme

• Supports NYC public schools for arts education (approximately $730,000 allocated annually)

Priority Areas

The foundation exclusively funds:

• Professional producing theatre companies with established track records
• Professional dance companies developing and producing new work
• Organisations with demonstrated fiscal responsibility
• Organisations that compensate artists/performers
• US-based not-for-profit organisations with 501(c)(3) status
• Organisations with minimum operating expenses of $150,000
• Entities with at least two seasons of operating history

The foundation shows particular interest in professional resident theatre and dance companies that develop and produce new American work.

What They Don't Fund

The foundation explicitly does not support:

• Project-specific funding, seed money, or programme support
• Capital campaigns, endowments, or renovations
• Individuals or scholarships
• Community theatres, improv venues, or comedy clubs
• Non-professional theatre groups
• Fiscally sponsored organisations
• Radio, film, TV, or other media projects
• Organisations outside the United States
• Dance education, schools, or studios (except NYC-based programmes)
• Conduit organisations

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors

• Robert E. Wankel - Chairman (also Chairman & CEO of The Shubert Organization)
• Diana Phillips - President
• Laura Forese
• Wyche Fowler, Jr.
• Pamela Newkirk
• Richard J. Poccia
• Lee J. Seidler
• Stuart Subotnick

Staff

• Vicki Reiss - Executive Director
• Amy Dorfman Wine - Senior Program Director
• Rebecca Hewett - Program Director
• Joshua Hardcastle - Senior Program Associate
• Jacob Horn - Grants Coordinator

The Shubert Organization, which operates theatres on Broadway and nationally, has been led by Robert E. Wankel since 2020, continuing a legacy of theatre leadership that includes Philip J. Smith (who served as Chairman from 2008-2020 and passed away in 2021) and Gerald Schoenfeld.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Shubert Foundation accepts applications through an online portal system (Fluxx). Applications must be submitted via the foundation's website annually during the specified application period.

Key Application Requirements:

• Complete the online eligibility quiz before applying
• Submit only through the foundation's current online application form
• Apply in only ONE funding category per cycle
• Must submit a new application each year (grants are not automatically renewed)
• Provide information for two previous operating seasons
• Submit complete financial statements (requirements vary by budget size)

Important Restrictions:

• Letters of inquiry are NOT accepted
• Incomplete applications will NOT be accepted
• Fiscally sponsored organisations are NOT eligible
• Applicants cannot request a specific grant amount (the foundation determines award levels)

Annual Application Cycle

September: Applications become available online

Mid-October (6pm ET): Dance, Arts Related, and Shubert Scholars applications due

Early December (6pm ET): Theatre applications due

Mid-December (6pm ET): Dance and Arts Related financial statements due

Early February (6pm ET): Theatre financial statements due

Late May: Award notifications mailed (typically last week of May)

Financial Documentation Requirements

Organisations with budgets over $1,000,000:

• Must submit complete audited financial statements
• Must be prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)
• Must be audited by a certified public accountant (CPA)

Organisations with budgets of $1,000,000 or less:

• May submit IRS Form 990 (NOT 990-N postcards)
• OR an accountant's review
• OR an independent auditor's report

Decision Timeline

The foundation operates on a fixed annual cycle. From application submission to notification:

• Theatre applicants: Approximately 5-6 months (December application to late May notification)
• Dance/Arts Related applicants: Approximately 7-8 months (October application to late May notification)

All applicants receive notification simultaneously during the last week of May.

Success Rates

Based on recent data:

• Total grants awarded: 653 organisations
• Theatre grants: 484 organisations
• Dance grants: 115 organisations
• Other grants: 54 organisations (Arts Related, Shubert Scholars, NYC Dept of Education)

Specific application-to-award ratios are not publicly disclosed. However, the foundation has revised requirements in recent years to increase access for organisations with smaller budgets and is unique in opening its doors to all eligible applicants without requiring an invitation.

Reapplication Policy

Organisations must submit a new application every year; grants are not automatically renewed. The foundation welcomes both returning grantees and first-time applicants. If an organisation meets foundation criteria, funding will be awarded subject to Board approval, even if it is the organisation's first application. No waiting period is specified for unsuccessful applicants to reapply.

Application Success Factors

Foundation's Stated Priorities

The foundation emphasises several key criteria in evaluating applications:

Established Track Record: The foundation explicitly states it "requires a track record—artistic, administrative and fiscal—that cannot be established overnight." Applications require information for two previous seasons.

Professional Standards: Only professional organisations are eligible. Community theatres, improv venues, and comedy clubs are ineligible. Artists and performers must be compensated.

Fiscal Responsibility: Organisations must demonstrate financial stability and sound fiscal management. The foundation reviews audited financial statements or comparable documentation carefully.

Artistic Merit: The foundation shows particular interest in organisations that develop and produce new American work and maintain significant artistic achievement.

Minimum Operating Scale: Organisations must have minimum operating expenses of $150,000 (excluding in-kind support), and dance companies must present at least 8 ticketed professional performances annually.

Application Guidance from the Foundation

The foundation hosts hour-long webinars specifically designed for new applicants and new staff members. These webinars cover:

• Eligibility criteria in detail
• How to use the application and online portal
• Common mistakes made by new applicants

The foundation emphasises that it "seeks to be clear about priorities and provide reasonable guidance to those considering investing time and resources in preparing applications" and encourages calling (212) 944-3777 with questions between June and mid-November.

Key Differentiators

Unrestricted Funding: Unlike many foundations, the Shubert Foundation provides only unrestricted general operating support. This allows organisations to use funds as they see fit rather than for specific projects or programmes.

No Invitation Required: The foundation is unique in its field for accepting applications from all eligible organisations without requiring an invitation or prior relationship.

Increased Accessibility: The foundation has revised requirements in recent years specifically to increase access for organisations with the smallest budgets.

Focus on New Work: While supporting all professional theatre and dance, the foundation shows particular interest in organisations developing and producing new American work.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Based on foundation guidance:

• Submitting incomplete applications (these will not be accepted)
• Attempting to submit letters of inquiry (these are not accepted)
• Applying in multiple categories (only one application per cycle is permitted)
• Operating through fiscal sponsorship (ineligible)
• Failing to demonstrate professional standards and artist compensation
• Not having at least two seasons of operating history with financial documentation
• Missing deadlines (applications close at 6pm ET on specified dates)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Unrestricted funding is the hallmark: The Shubert Foundation only provides general operating support, never project-specific grants. This makes them particularly valuable for organisational sustainability.

• First-time applicants are welcome: Unlike invitation-only funders, the Shubert Foundation accepts applications from all eligible organisations and explicitly states that first-time applicants can receive funding if they meet criteria.

• Financial minimums are strict: Organisations must have operating expenses of at least $150,000 and provide two years of financial history. Ensure you meet these thresholds before investing time in an application.

• Complete applications are non-negotiable: The foundation will not accept incomplete applications. Take time to gather all required documentation before the deadline.

• Grant amounts are determined by the foundation: Do not request a specific amount. The foundation determines grant levels based on organisational budget, track record, and time on their roster. Larger grants typically go to organisations that have received funding for several years.

• Professional standards matter: Only professional organisations with compensated artists are eligible. Community theatres and non-professional groups should not apply.

• Timing is predictable: The foundation operates on a fixed annual cycle with notifications consistently sent in late May. Plan your organisational budget cycle accordingly.

• Use available resources: The foundation offers webinars for new applicants and welcomes phone calls with questions. Take advantage of these resources to avoid common mistakes and ensure your application is competitive.

References

• The Shubert Foundation official website: https://www.shubertfoundation.org/
• The Shubert Foundation FAQs: https://www.shubertfoundation.org/faqs
• The Shubert Foundation Programmes page: https://www.shubertfoundation.org/all-programs
• The Shubert Foundation Theatre programme: https://www.shubertfoundation.org/theatre
• The Shubert Foundation Dance programme: https://www.shubertfoundation.org/dance
• The Shubert Foundation About page: https://www.shubertfoundation.org/about
• The Shubert Foundation Annual Grant Report: https://www.shubertfoundation.org/annual-grant-report
• "THE SHUBERT FOUNDATION Gives Record $40 Million in Awards," Shubert Organization press release: https://shubert.nyc/press/the-shubert-foundation-gives-record-40-million-in-annual-awards/
• "Shubert Foundation awards $40 million to performing arts groups," Philanthropy News Digest: https://philanthropynewsdigest.org/news/shubert-foundation-awards-40-million-to-performing-arts-groups
• Foundation Directory profile: https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=SHUB001
• Cause IQ profile: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/shubert-foundation,136106961/
• "Chairman and Co-CEO Philip J. Smith Announces His Retirement," Shubert Organization: https://shubert.nyc/press/philip-j-smith-retirement/
• Shubert Organization History: https://shubert.nyc/about-us/history/