The Jim Henson Foundation awards grants for the development of innovative contemporary puppet theater. The foundation is focused on supporting projects that demonstrate excellence in puppetry, including design, manipulation, and theatrical execution. Since 1982, it aims to encourage the growth and quality of puppet theater in the United States.
The grant program offers three types of Artist Grants: Workshop Grants ($3,000), Production Grants ($7,000), and Family Grants ($4,000), all aimed at supporting puppetry. These grants cover the building and performing of puppets, and their integration into theater pieces. Production Grants support new works ready to be presented, while Workshop Grants aid in the development and workshopping of puppet theater pieces. A unique feature is that Workshop and Production Grants can be combined over two years, offering flexibility in development and presentation. Family Grants support the creation of puppet theater for children, families, and teenagers, adhering to the same high artistic standards as works intended for adults. The foundation prioritizes the funding of new works and does not support the presentation or remounting of existing pieces. Recipients from the previous year are generally ineligible to apply in the current cycle to ensure broader distribution of funds.