Endowments
The Mississippi Theatre Association is proud to partner with the CREATE Foundation of Tupelo, whose mission is to improve the quality of life in Northeast Mississippi through philanthropy, community leadership, and partnerships. Thanks to their support, MTA can bring theatre to more schools, more communities, and more people than ever before through two endowments.
We are invested in community growth and educational opportunities throughout Mississippi. Together, we amplify economic impact, expand access to the arts, and create pathways for the next generation of artists and leaders.
The Robin Hood Fund
The Robin Hood Fund was created to sustain and protect theatre programs in Mississippi schools that face the greatest financial challenges. Through a mix of public and private donations, the fund provides targeted support to schools that might otherwise lose access to theatre education.
Each year, a one-time grant of $1,000–$1,500 will be awarded to a Mississippi theatre teacher. This funding can be used either to launch a production or to support participation in the MTA Annual Theatre Festival. In addition, recipients will receive a 45-minute advisory session with David Orace Kelly, offering guidance on budget management, program development, and strategies for new or under-resourced theatre programs.
What Makes a Strong Application
The Robin Hood Fund is designed for teachers in 1A, 2A, and 3A districts who are making a measurable difference despite limited resources. Successful applicants highlight how their work reflects:
Primary Criterion
Demonstrated Commitment to Equity, Access, and Impact in Underserved Districts
Teachers and schools are not only supported — they are recognized as catalysts for lasting community and student transformation.
Supporting Elements to Strengthen an Application
- Economic Hardship:
Document the school or district’s challenges (e.g., % of students on free/reduced lunch, median household income) and show how the theatre program persists despite minimal funding. - Student Reach and Engagement:
Share how the program includes diverse, often marginalized students, particularly those with limited access to extracurricular activities. - Local Impact:
Describe how productions foster community pride, draw audiences, and create intergenerational connections. - Creative Resourcefulness:
Provide examples of doing more with less — reused materials, student-built sets, cross-curricular collaborations. Funders respect ingenuity under pressure. - Social-Emotional and Academic Outcomes:
Offer stories or data showing theatre’s impact on student confidence, attendance, literacy, and collaboration. - Future Potential:
Outline how this grant could unlock new opportunities (e.g., costumes, lighting, play rights) and expand the program’s reach. - Alignment with Mission:
Show how your goals match those of funders who support arts equity, rural education, and underserved youth.
Applications & Disbursements will begin once the fund reaches $10,000.
Become a Donor
To become a donor, angel investor, or supporter, mail checks made out to The CREATE Foundation with “Robin Hood Fund” in the memo line directly to:
P.O. Box 1053
Tupelo, MS 38802
📖 Example Criterion Statement
“This grant will support a theatre educator serving a Title I school in a rural 2A Mississippi district where more than 90% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch. With no dedicated performance space or annual budget, the program has already engaged 60+ students and welcomed 300 community members to student-directed productions. Funding will provide essential resources to sustain arts access, spark community pride, and foster student success in a region where arts opportunities are nearly extinct.”
The MTA Scholarship Fund
The Mississippi Theatre Association Scholarship Endowment Fund was created to support the next generation of Mississippi theatre artists. Each year, MTA awards two $500 scholarships to graduating high school seniors who plan to pursue a degree in theatre — performance, technical, or design — at a Mississippi college or university.
Recipients are selected through the College & University Auditions held during the MTA State Festival. In addition to financial support, recipients become part of the MTA Dream Team during their first year of college, connecting them with statewide mentors, peers, and opportunities in the arts.
How to Apply
To be considered for the MTA Scholarship, students must:
- Register through the Acceptd platform and indicate “YES” to scholarship consideration.
- Audition at the MTA State Festival during the College & University Auditions.
- Submit materials including:
- A theatre résumé (productions, awards, extracurriculars, community service, GPA, etc.)
- A 250–500-word essay about why you want to study theatre in college
- Three letters of recommendation (at least one from a theatre teacher or advisor)
Scholarship funds are sent directly to the student’s college or university once enrollment is confirmed.
Support the Scholarship Endowment Fund
The Scholarship Fund is made possible through the generosity of MTA sponsors and donors. A gift of $500 or more directly funds an annual scholarship for Mississippi’s rising theatre leaders.
👉 Join us in investing in the future of Mississippi theatre — because every student deserves the chance to step into the spotlight.
Become a Donor
To become a donor, angel investor, or supporter, mail checks made out to The CREATE Foundation with “MTA Scholarship Fund” in the memo line directly to:
P.O. Box 1053
Tupelo, MS 38802