Artist Grants from The Jim Henson Foundation support the development of innovative new works of puppet theater. Applicants may apply for a Workshop, Production, or Family Grant.
Letters of Intent for the 2025 grant cycle were due by March 4, 2024. For those invited to submit, full applications were due by September 9, 2024. We expect a similar timeline for the 2026 grant cycle.
Eligibility
Applicant
This grant is open to:
- 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations
- Individual artists with a nonprofit fiscal partner
Work
Proposed work must:
- Be new and original
- Be full length
- Feature puppetry as a major portion of the production
The Foundation defines a puppet as, “an object that is given the appearance of life through direct or indirect manipulation by the human hand.”
Grant Types
Workshop Grants
Workshop grants of $3,000 are available to develop and workshop a new piece of puppet theater.
Production Grants
Production grants of $7,000 are available for the presentation of a new piece of puppet theater within a year of receving the funds. Winners of Workshop grants may subsequently apply for a Production grant, but a previous grant is not required.
Family Grants
Grants of $4,000 are available for the development of a new piece of puppet theater specifically for children, families, and/or teenagers. The new production must premeire within a year of receiving the funds.
