Each application cycle now specifies exact earliest-eligible emergency dates, so check the timeline carefully to ensure your medical event qualifies. The review process has also been updated to include a lottery system for remaining awards after the highest-scoring applications are funded. Finally, if you primarily show work online, note the new eligibility clarification that digital artwork must be actively marketed for a specific public showing rather than just posted on social media.
Funder: New York Foundation for The Arts
Due Dates: May 12, 2026 (Cycle 36) | March 10, 2026 (Cycle 35) | January 6, 2026 (Cycle 34) | November 4, 2025 (Cycle 33) | September 9, 2025 (Cycle 32)
Funding Amounts: Up to $5,000 per grant; approx. $150,000 distributed per cycle; one-time award per emergency.
Summary: Provides emergency funding to generative artists in visual arts, film/video/electronic/digital arts, and choreography facing recent, unexpected medical, dental, or mental health emergencies.
Key Information: Highly competitive; not for lost wages or ongoing care; only out-of-pocket emergency expenses for the artist are eligible.