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The Shubert Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$40.0M
Grant Range
$15K - $0.3M
Decision Time
7mo

The Shubert Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $40 million (2024)
  • Number of Grantees: 653 organizations (2024)
  • 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 honor their brother Sam, is the nation's largest funder dedicated to unrestricted funding of not-for-profit theaters and dance companies. The foundation launched its grants program in 1977 and has since distributed over $653 million to arts organizations throughout the United States. In 2024, the foundation awarded a record $40 million in unrestricted grants to 653 not-for-profit theaters, dance companies, academic theater training programs, 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 theater and a secondary focus on dance. The foundation is unique in the field for providing unrestricted general operating support grants, allowing organizations flexibility in how they use awarded funds.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

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

  • Grant Range: $15,000 - $325,000+
  • Supports 484 professional resident theaters (2024)
  • Minimum operating expenses: $150,000
  • Application deadline: December 4 (6pm ET annually)
  • Financial statements deadline: February 3 (annually)

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

  • Grant Range: $15,000+
  • Supports 115 dance companies (2024)
  • Minimum operating expenses: $150,000
  • Budget range typically: $150,000 - $1,000,000
  • Minimum 8 ticketed professional performances annually required
  • Application deadline: October 15 (6pm ET annually)
  • Financial statements deadline: December 11 (annually)

Arts Related Program

  • Limited awards to arts-related organizations and service agencies
  • Application deadline: October 15 (6pm ET annually)

Shubert Scholars Program

  • Supports MFA theater training programs
  • Application deadline: October 15 (6pm ET annually)

NYC Department of Education Program

  • $730,000 allocated (2024) to NYC public schools for arts education

Priority Areas

The foundation exclusively funds:

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

The foundation shows particular interest in professional resident theater 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 program support
  • Capital campaigns, endowments, or renovations
  • Individuals or scholarships
  • Community theaters, improv venues, or comedy clubs
  • Non-professional theater groups
  • Fiscally sponsored organizations
  • Radio, film, TV, or other media projects
  • Organizations outside the United States
  • Dance education, schools, or studios (except NYC-based programs)
  • Conduit organizations

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 theaters on Broadway and nationally, has been led by Robert E. Wankel since 2020, continuing a legacy of theater 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 organizations are NOT eligible
  • Applicants cannot request a specific grant amount (the foundation determines award levels)

Application Timeline (2025-2026 Cycle)

September 2025: Applications become available online

October 15, 2025 (6pm ET): Dance, Arts Related, and Shubert Scholars applications due

December 4, 2025 (6pm ET): Theatre applications due

December 11, 2025 (6pm ET): Dance and Arts Related financial statements due

February 3, 2026 (6pm ET): Theatre financial statements due

Late May 2026: Award notifications mailed (typically last week of May)

Financial Documentation Requirements

Organizations 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)

Organizations 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 2024 data:

  • Total grants awarded: 653 organizations
  • Theatre grants: 484 organizations
  • Dance grants: 115 organizations
  • Other grants: 54 organizations (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 organizations with smaller budgets and is unique in opening its doors to all eligible applicants without requiring an invitation.

Reapplication Policy

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

Application Success Factors

Foundation's Stated Priorities

The foundation emphasizes 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 organizations are eligible. Community theaters, improv venues, and comedy clubs are ineligible. Artists and performers must be compensated.

Fiscal Responsibility: Organizations 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 organizations that develop and produce new American work and maintain significant artistic achievement.

Minimum Operating Scale: Organizations 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 emphasizes 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 organizations to use funds as they see fit rather than for specific projects or programs.

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

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

Focus on New Work: While supporting all professional theater and dance, the foundation shows particular interest in organizations 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 organizational sustainability.

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

  • Financial minimums are strict: Organizations 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 organizational budget, track record, and time on their roster. Larger grants typically go to organizations that have received funding for several years.

  • Professional standards matter: Only professional organizations with compensated artists are eligible. Community theaters 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 organizational 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

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