The foundation is once again offering "unrestricted general operating support to small and midsize not-for-profit theatre companies, in grants that range from $2,500 to $25,000."

The postmark deadline for filing applications is Oct. 25, 2004. Grant recipients will be announced by Jan. 21, 2005. The timing of the grants "was changed in response to needs articulated by theatre leaders."

By providing unrestricted support, "the Lortel Foundation is offering its recipients maximum flexibility in responding to current and future financial needs."

The Foundation already has distributed over $1.5 million in such grants.

Eligible applicant theatres must have been in operation as a professional, not-for-profit theatre producing organization in New York City for at least three years, with current revenues of $200,000 to $2.5 million. (Dance and opera companies are not eligible). The Foundation was established by and named for the legendary producer, theatre owner, and philanthropist who died in 1999. Foundation President James J. Ross explained in a statement that "Lucille Lortel gave generously to not-for-profit theatres throughout her life and these grants continue her long-standing philanthropy. She was particularly responsive to the needs of struggling theatres, which is why we focus on small and midsize theatres that continue to face the greatest challenges."

Applications and more information are available on the Foundation’s website http://www.lortel.org or by calling or e-mailing Shawn Willett at the Lucille Lortel Foundation at (212) 924-2817, ext. 208 or [email protected].