Rauschenberg Dancer Emergency Grants

About this program

The New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA), with support from the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation, offers one-time grants of up to $3,000 to professional dancers experiencing dire financial emergencies caused by an involuntary loss or reduction of recent live performance work. Funds may cover up to three months of essential individual expenses, including housing, utilities, food, healthcare, and transportation; the next cycle opens September 8, 2026. Applicants must be at least 21, reside in the United States or a U.S. territory, have an adjusted gross income of no more than $80,000 individually or $160,000 jointly, and not be enrolled in a degree program. They must also demonstrate paid, public-facing dance performance activity for at least five years, generally including at least one engagement annually since 2021, and document an eligible emergency occurring within approximately the past six months.