The Jim Henson Foundation
The Jim Henson Foundation supports contemporary American puppet theater and awards artist, presenter, and residency grants. The site lists current grant programs, past awardees, news, and organizational information.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Small-to-mid-sized American artists, presenters, or residency hosts focused on contemporary live puppet theater with a clear project proposal and supporting visual/video materials.
Good Fit
- • Project is contemporary live puppet theater created by American artists.
- • Applicant can provide a short LOI plus a one-page visual and a brief video clip.
- • Project involves a production, presenting venue, or residency that fits an arts/performance context.
- • Applicant is willing to apply via the foundation's posted Submittable process and meet stated deadlines.
Geography
Observed grants go to organizations in 12 states, so the footprint is multi-state (national) even though a majority of dollars are concentrated in New York.
Recipient Variety
The foundation funded dozens of distinct independent recipients in each year (35 recipients in 2024), showing a broad recipient set rather than a tiny closed circle.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of new entrants exists (13 new recipients in 2024) and the foundation publishes a public Submittable LOI/application route and deadlines, indicating unfamiliar applicants can realistically apply.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
