the dancer fund
The 2024-25 round of the Dancer Fund is closed.
The 2025-26 funding cycle is now open!
Through the Dancer Fund, Dance Source Houston provides direct support to freelance dance artists who have received payment from choreographers and/or organizations for their project-based, performance-related work. The fund matches up to $500 per individual in payment(s) for performance project artist fees per annual cycle. Dancers may apply more than once to receive the $500 maximum award. A separate application must be submitted for each project.
During the 2024-2025 season cycle, DSH awarded a total of $30,000 to freelance dancers through the program.
AWARDED DURING THE 2024-2025 SEASON!
RECEIVED FUNDING
2025-2026 Funding Cycle Eligibility
- Are 18 or older.
- Live and work in the Greater Houston region, as defined by Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, and Waller counties.
- Can provide a fully-executed contract that shows:
- The contractor was:
- Contracted specifically as a dancer for project-based performance work
- Classified as an independent contractor, not a W2 employee
- The performance work:
- Takes place between July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026
- Takes place in the Greater Houston region, as defined above
- Is open to the general public
- The contractor was:
- Can provide a completed Form W9
- Can provide accepted proof of payment for contracted work*
- Have not already received the individual maximum of $500 through the current Dancer Fund cycle.
*Acceptable forms of proof of payment include check images and Paypal/Venmo/Cash app/etc. transaction receipts that indicate payer, payee, and what the payment was for. Payments received in cash are not eligible.
Dancer Fund
Most common questions
How soon will I know if my application is approved?
Applications will be reviewed monthly. Applications submitted in a given month will be reviewed the following month, and approved requests will be processed by the 15th. For example, applications submitted in December 2025 and approved for funding will receive notification by January 15, 2026.
Can I apply for the Dancer Fund more than once?
Yes, however, once you have received a total amount of $500, you are ineligible to apply again to the current cycle.
What if the performance will take place in Spring 2026 and I have a signed contract without proof of payment yet?
You can still apply if you have all other requirements met, and when proof of payment is received, you must update your application with proof of payment so that we can send you your funds.
What if I was paid cash for a performance?
Payments that are eligible to be verified are check, direct deposit, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle. Digital or physical proof of payment is required.
Can I apply if I choreographed a performance?
Possibly. If your contract includes multiple activities (choreographing, performing, teaching, etc.), it must be clear what specific amount was allocated to your work as a performer, and you will only be eligible to request that amount.
Can I apply if my performance is outside of Greater Houston?
Dancers must live in the Greater Houston region, and the performance must have taken place in the Greater Houston region.
Who is not eligible to apply?
- Applicants under 18.
- Applicants who do not live and work in the Greater Houston region.
- Applications that reference full-time or ongoing employee-related work.
- Applicants with incomplete applications.
- Proof of payments made in cash.
- Applications with performances outside of the July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026 date range.
- Applications with performances that take place outside the Greater Houston region.
- Applicants who have applied and already received a total combination of $500
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants are eligible to apply if they:
- Are 18 or older.
- Live and work in the Greater Houston region, as defined by Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, and Waller counties.
- Can provide a fully-executed contract that shows:
- The contractor was:
- Contracted specifically as a dancer for project-based performance work
- Classified as an independent contractor, not a W2 employee
- The performance work:
- Takes place between July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026
- Takes place in the Greater Houston region, as defined above
- Is open to the general public
- The contractor was:
- Can provide a completed Form W9
- Can provide accepted proof of payment for contracted work*
- Have not already received the individual maximum of $500 through the current Dancer Fund cycle.