Arts and culture funders rarely put preservation, public programming, and live theatre in the same grant cycle. All three of these close within eleven days of each other in September, and each one funds a different layer of cultural work.

What we know: This is a program of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund. Eligible properties must be historically Black churches at least 50 years old. Project types include capital work, planning, capacity building, and programming. Endowment projects require a 1:1 match.

Realistic fit: established congregations or preservation nonprofits stewarding a documented historic Black church with a defined capital or planning project.

What we know: Average grants run $1,000 to $2,000, so the $5,000 cap is the ceiling, not the norm. Foundation-wide, ASF's giving leans toward arts/culture and higher education, with recipients concentrated in Minnesota and New York. One application per organization per cycle, one award per fiscal year per category.

Realistic fit: 501(c)(3)s running a specific public event or performance that connects American and Scandinavian culture.

What we know: Five grants of $100,000 each, awarded annually. Primary applicants must be 501(c)(3) theatres based outside New York City. Foundation-wide, top recipients include Camden Repertory Theater, Latino Theater Company, and Mixed Blood Theatre Company, all at $75,000. Children's theatre is not being sought for this cycle.

Realistic fit: regional theatre companies with demonstrated capacity presenting work by living American playwrights.

The American Theatre Wing deadline hits first, September 4. If you're weighing more than one of these, start there and work backward.