A seven-member Peer-Review Panel, which does not include members of the national Steering Committee, will meet virtually on October 28th, 2026, to review applications received from throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Proposals will be evaluated based on the eligibility criteria and the General Operating Support proposal and budget request submitted.

The Subcommittee decided which theaters would be awarded grants and the amounts. All 52 successful applicants have received a two to three-year grant. The Subcommittee reviewed and were guided by the recommendations of the Peer-review Panel but were the final arbiters. Establishing a Subcommittee of non-applying Steering Committee members and foundation officers to determine grant recipients and grant amounts was instituted to minimize the appearance of a conflict of interest while ensuring that programmatically or geographically restricted philanthropic funds were deployed appropriately. The Latino Theater Company did not take part in the application process but is receiving an administrative fee to lead and manage the NLTI.

Selection Process & 2023 Timeline:

The NLTI’s grants were made through a competitive application process. Once eligibility was established, Latinx theater organizations were invited to submit a full proposal. To receive funding, they had to articulate a strategic vision for deploying General Operating Support grants that makes sense for their particular situation, challenges, and opportunities.

Proposed timeline for NLTI Round 2 RFP
(October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2031)

  • August 17, 2026 – Eligibility questionnaire goes out to 169 theaters with a due date of September 15

  • August 17, 2026 – Review and finalize guidelines and application forms

  • September 15, 2026 - Invite theater professionals not affiliated with possible applicants to serve on the Peer-Review committee with responses due by September 21

  • September 21, 2026 Peer Review panelist recommendations are reviewed

  • September 16, 2026 – Eligibility questionnaires are reviewed

  • September 18, 2026 – Edit website to reflect updated guidelines and application forms

  • September 22, 2026 - Send RFP to eligible Latinx theaters and ensembles

  • September 22, 2026 – Invite Peer Review Panelists to serve virtually

  • October 15, 2026 – Deadline to apply

  • October 28, 2026 – Peer Review panel meets

  • November 10, 2026 – Grant contracts issued

Peer-Review Panel Process