Dance & Movement Grant Initiative

Born to Russian parents, Marina Svetlova (1922-2009) was a French and American ballerina. In addition to her accomplished dancing career, Svetlova was also a teacher and choreographer. Svetlova joined the IU School of Music and its Ballet Department in 1970 and was named department chair later that year, a role she held until her retirement in 1992. Svetlova lived in Bloomington until her death on February 11, 2009.

Through the Dance & Movement Grant Initiative funded by the Marina Svetlova Fund for Dance, the Foundation seeks to provide support for community-based, nonprofit programs and organizations that promote the art of dance in various forms. Priority programs will be those that support ballet or contemporary dance as well as those that provide dance or movement opportunities, especially for youth, seniors, or disabled persons. 

Examples of eligible grants include but are not limited to: education, instruction, choreography, performance, capital expenses for facilities and equipment, funding for performance or instruction space, funding for guest instructors and performers, programs that promote movement and dance for those with disabilities, and opportunities for the community to experience dance from world cultures. 

Grants will be made to local 501(c)(3) nonprofits and organizations that are exempt from filing for a 501(c)(3) status.  This includes units of government, school corporations, and religious organizations.  Impact grants may be awarded to religious organizations for programs that are non-proselytizing and do not promote religious doctrine or instruction.  In limited situations, CFMBC may be able to grant to other types of organizations that are serving a charitable purpose but do not have a 501(c)(3) status. .

Please direct any questions to Program Director Marcus Whited at [email protected] or 812-333-9016.