Inspiring Social Good through Theatre | M NOFO 19 106

Opportunity Information: Apply for M NOFO 19 106

The "Inspiring Social Good through Theatre" grant opportunity is a discretionary U.S. Department of State program (U.S. Mission to India, U.S. Consulate Mumbai) that funds a theatre-based public engagement project in Mumbai centered on social impact themes. The core idea is to use live performance as a vehicle for community dialogue and awareness, with potential subject matter spanning inclusion and tolerance, human rights, environmental issues, and gender equity and justice. The project is designed to be flexible in format: it may culminate in one longer play addressing one or several topics, or it may take the form of a collection of shorter skits or monologues that tackle multiple themes.

A key requirement is close coordination with the U.S. Consulate Mumbai to identify and work with a suitable local partner organization, such as a theatre troupe or acting school, that can supply and support a pool of writers and actors. The grantee is expected to play the organizing and implementation role: building the partnership, supporting the creative development process, and ensuring the production moves from concept to staged performance. The program also includes an exchange and mentorship component. In consultation with the Consulate, the grantee will identify a U.S. playwright or theatre professor who will travel to Mumbai to mentor the Indian partner group, helping develop the script(s) and staging approach while strengthening professional ties and skills-sharing between U.S. and Indian theatre practitioners.

On the public programming side, the grant requires the organization of one grand-opening live performance at a local theatre or comparable venue, followed by at least five additional performances at suitable venues within six months. This structure emphasizes not only a premiere event but also sustained outreach and audience access over time, ensuring the work is seen by multiple communities rather than being a one-off production.

Administratively, the opportunity is offered as a grant under Funding Opportunity Number "M NOFO 19 106" and CFDA 19.040, with activity areas aligned to community development, education, and the humanities/cultural affairs. Eligible applicants include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, and U.S.-based nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education institutions). The anticipated funding level is up to $30,000 (award ceiling), with one award expected. The notice was created on December 21, 2018, and originally closed on February 20, 2019.

• The Department of State, U.S. Mission to India in the community development, education, humanities (see cultural affairs in cfda) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Inspiring Social Good through Theatre" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.040.
• This funding opportunity was created on Dec 21, 2018.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Feb 20, 2019. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $30,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education.

Apply for M NOFO 19 106

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