New England States Touring (NEST) Grant

About this program

The New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA) offers the New England States Touring (NEST) grant to support New England–based nonprofit organizations in presenting touring artists through public performances, readings, and screenings across the region. Grants cover up to 60% of artist fees (or 100% for artist fees of $2,000 and under), with a maximum award of $5,000, and organizations may submit up to two NEST applications per deadline. Eligible applicants are New England–based nonprofit presenting organizations working with New England artists; NEST 1 requires a single presenter in a different New England state than the artist, while NEST 2 requires two presenting organizations (one in the artist’s state and one in a different state). Deadlines are the first business day of April, August, and December (FY27: Aug 3, 2026; Dec 1, 2026; Apr 1, 2027), and applicants are encouraged to contact NEFA staff to confirm program fit.