2027 Grant Opportunity Shakespeare in American Communities Juvenile Justice Program United States of America (USA), Through its Shakespeare in American Communities initiative, this funding track provides grants to theatre companies to develop collaborative programmes with justice system organizations and young people. The initiative promotes theatre-based educational experiences that introduce participants to the works of William Shakespeare while encouraging learning, creative expression, and engagement through the performing arts.
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the full details and submit their applications before the specified deadline to seize this grant opportunity.
Last Date of Submission: Phase 1 – 26 January 2027; Phase 2 – 9 February 2027
Overview for 2027 Grant Opportunity Shakespeare in American Communities Juvenile Justice Program United States of America (USA)
2027–28 Shakespeare in American Communities: Juvenile Justice – Program Guidelines
Arts Midwest is offering grants ranging from $15,000 to $50,000 to nonprofit professional theatre organizations to develop educational theatre programmes for young people involved in the juvenile justice system. Through this initiative, theatre companies are encouraged to collaborate with justice system institutions and introduce young participants to Shakespeare’s literary works through structured theatre education activities.
The programme aims to use Shakespeare’s plays and related educational experiences to promote learning, creative expression, and engagement among young people who are involved in or affected by the juvenile justice system.
Unlike the Apprenticeships funding track, Juvenile Justice grants do not require a matching contribution from applicants.
All funded activities must be conducted between August 1, 2027, and July 31, 2028.
Applicants should note that only one application can be submitted under the Shakespeare in American Communities initiative. Organizations must select one of the three available funding tracks: Schools, Juvenile Justice, or Apprenticeships. An eligibility quiz is available to help applicants determine which opportunity best matches their programmes and organizational objectives.
Accessibility and Application Assistance for 2027 Grant Opportunity Shakespeare in American Communities Juvenile Justice Program United States of America (USA)
Arts Midwest is committed to ensuring that eligible organizations can participate in the application process regardless of accessibility-related challenges. Applicants who require alternative application arrangements may request support through the following options:
- Alternative Application Form: An adapted Microsoft Word version of the application can be provided upon request.
- Video Application: Organizations may request permission to submit their application in video format.
- Telephone Support: Applicants can arrange a phone discussion with a programme manager to receive assistance with application-related questions.
Organizations requiring accessibility accommodations should contact Carlianne, the programme manager, as early as possible. Requests submitted after January 21, 2027, may not be accommodated.
For assistance, applicants can email grants@artsmidwest.org or register for an information session or office hours. Further details are provided in the Timeline section.
Applicants may also seek assistance from another individual when preparing and submitting their applications. Additional instructions are available in the programme’s “How to Use SmartSimple” section.
Eligibility Criteria for 2027 Grant Opportunity Shakespeare in American Communities Juvenile Justice Program United States of America (USA)
Who Can Apply?
The Juvenile Justice funding track is designed for established professional theatre organizations with experience delivering theatre education programmes in partnership with the juvenile justice system.
Applicants must satisfy the following conditions:
- Eligible Organizations: Professional theatre companies registered as 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with at least two years of experience partnering with the justice system to deliver theatre education programmes. Sponsorship arrangements are not eligible.
- Geographic Requirements: Applicants must be based in the United States, its territories, or Native Nations and communities within this geographic area.
- Target Beneficiaries: Proposed projects must focus on young people involved in the juvenile justice system and provide Shakespeare-related educational and theatre activities. Grant requests must range from $15,000 to $50,000.
- Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): Organizations must have a valid UEI issued through SAM.gov to receive funding. Those without an existing UEI can obtain one free of charge through gov.
- Good Standing: Applicants must have no overdue reports or outstanding funding restrictions with Arts Midwest.
- Federal Compliance: Since the programme receives funding from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), applicants must meet the applicable federal eligibility conditions and comply with the NEA’s Assurance of Compliance.
Application Restriction: Each organization can apply for only one Shakespeare in American Communities funding opportunity. Applicants must choose between the Schools, Juvenile Justice, and Apprenticeships tracks.
Application Timeline
The following dates outline the application stages, review process, award announcements, and implementation period for the 2027–28 funding cycle.
| Programme Activity | Deadline / Schedule |
| Phase 1: Eligibility Review | January 26, 2027, at 12:00 p.m. (noon) CT |
| Phase 2: Full Proposal | February 9, 2027, at 12:00 p.m. (noon) CT |
| Panel Review | March–April 2027 |
| Grant Award Notifications | May 2027 |
| Project Implementation Period | August 1, 2027 – July 31, 2028 |
| In-Person Grantee Convening | Mid-to-late summer 2028, Minneapolis |
Project Requirements
Organizations receiving funding through the Shakespeare in American Communities: Juvenile Justice programme must fulfil specific project delivery and participation requirements.
1. Deliver Educational Theatre Programmes Based on Shakespeare
Each funded project must provide educational theatre activities that explore Shakespeare’s literary works and examine their relevance in contemporary society.
Eligible activities may include:
- Theatre workshops and practical learning sessions.
- Group discussions and educational seminars.
- Artist-led residencies and interactive theatre programmes.
- Other educational activities that introduce participants to Shakespeare’s texts and their modern-day significance.
Activities can be delivered either in person or virtually. However, applicants must demonstrate a well-developed implementation plan that ensures regular interaction with participants through multiple visits over a meaningful period.
2. Establish a Partnership with a Juvenile Justice Facility
Applicants must collaborate with at least one institution or facility serving young people involved in the juvenile justice system.
Eligible partner facilities may include:
- Juvenile detention centres.
- Correctional institutions.
- Court-appointed programmes.
- Treatment and rehabilitation centres.
- Transition centres.
- Group homes.
- Educational institutions or programmes specifically serving juvenile offenders or incarcerated youth.
For this funding opportunity, juvenile offenders are defined as young people aged 17 years or younger who have committed an offence punishable under the law.
Applicants should demonstrate the nature of their institutional partnership and explain how the proposed theatre education activities will reach and benefit the intended participants.
3. Involve Qualified Theatre Education Professionals
Every project must engage at least two teaching artists, staff members, or other qualified professionals to deliver and support the theatre education activities.
The following conditions apply:
- Programme activities must be led by experienced teaching artists or theatre education professionals.
- Personnel should possess appropriate qualifications, professional credentials, and experience working within the justice system.
- All teaching artists and supporting professionals must receive compensation that is no lower than the applicable prevailing minimum compensation requirements.
This compensation condition follows the regulations established by the Secretary of Labor under Part 505 of Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
4. Participate in Grantee Networking and Professional Development Activities
Selected organizations must participate in virtual and in-person gatherings organized by Arts Midwest for Shakespeare in American Communities grantees.
These activities are intended to encourage professional development, knowledge exchange, networking, and collaboration among participating theatre organizations.
Arts Midwest will organize several virtual meetings and one in-person networking and professional development event during the grant cycle.
For the in-person convening, Arts Midwest will cover travel, accommodation, and limited meal expenses for one representative from each participating theatre company.
Grant Funding and Award Details
Eligible nonprofit theatre organizations may request financial assistance ranging from $15,000 to $50,000 under the Shakespeare in American Communities: Juvenile Justice programme.
The funding is provided through the National Endowment for the Arts. However, unlike certain other grant tracks under the Shakespeare in American Communities initiative, Juvenile Justice applicants are not required to provide a one-to-one cost-share or matching contribution.
Applicants should prepare a realistic project budget that clearly identifies the expenses necessary to deliver the proposed educational theatre activities.
Eligible Project Expenses
Grant budgets must include costs directly associated with implementing the proposed programme. Eligible expenditure may cover the following:
- Artistic and Professional Fees: Payments to actors, directors, designers, choreographers, and other creative professionals involved in project delivery.
- Production Expenses: Costs associated with props, costumes, stage sets, and other production materials.
- Travel Expenses: Transportation and related travel costs for touring productions or participating artists.
- Staff Salaries: An appropriate, prorated share of staff salaries and wages directly allocated to the project.
- Printing and Marketing: Expenses related to promotional materials, printing, and project communications.
- Other Direct Costs: Additional reasonable expenses directly connected to implementing the proposed theatre education activities.
All proposed expenses should be adequately justified and consistent with applicable federal funding regulations.
Ineligible Project Expenses
Applicants must ensure that their proposed budgets exclude costs that are not permitted under federal grant regulations. The following expenditures are among those considered ineligible:
- Refreshments, concessions, food, and alcoholic beverages.
- Fellowships and cash prizes.
- Purchase of capital equipment.
- Expenses that overlap with costs already supported through another federal award, whether funding is received directly from a federal agency or indirectly through a state agency or another organization.
- Entertainment-related expenditure, including opening celebrations, receptions, and fundraising events organized to raise money for the applicant organization or on behalf of another individual, organization, or cause.
Since the awards are supported by federal funding, all project expenses must comply with 2 CFR Part 200, commonly known as the Uniform Guidance. Applicants should review the applicable federal cost principles before preparing and submitting their proposed budgets.
How to apply?
Note: For more comprehensive details click the link below
Get full access to the grant information, visit the Official Website Link
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Shakespeare in American Communities: Juvenile Justice program?
The program provides grants to professional nonprofit theatre organizations to deliver educational theatre projects for young people involved in the juvenile justice system. Projects use Shakespeare’s works to encourage creative expression, learning, and personal development.
- How much funding can eligible organizations receive?
Selected organizations can receive grants ranging from $15,000 to $50,000 to support their proposed projects. A matching contribution is not required.
- Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Eligible applicants must be professional theatre organizations registered as 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and have at least two years of experience partnering with the juvenile justice system to provide theatre education. Applicants must also meet Arts Midwest’s other organizational and federal eligibility requirements.
- What activities must a funded project include?
Projects must provide educational theatre experiences that explore Shakespeare’s works in a contemporary context. Activities may include workshops, discussions, seminars, and artist residencies delivered through sustained engagement with young people at eligible juvenile justice facilities or programmes.
- What is the application deadline for the 2027–28 grant cycle?
The first application phase closes on January 26, 2027, at 12:00 noon CT, while the second phase must be completed by February 9, 2027, at 12:00 noon CT. Applicants should review the programme guidelines and complete the required application steps before the respective deadlines.
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