Organizations with activities in dance, music/sound, performance art/theater, poetry, and the visual arts that provide opportunities for artists to present their work or offer artists professional services may apply to FCA for assistance. Grants of not more than $5,000 are awarded annually. Grants are made for specific project or general operating support. Applications are only available by download from this website; please do not call FCA for an application.
Grants to Organizations are made once a year, with an application deadline of May 1. Applications must be post-marked on or before May 1 to be considered . Notification is made in August.
Grants to Organizations is supported by a major grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. This program is also supported by The Lambent Foundation Fund of Tides Foundation and, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council.
View past Organization Grant Recipients.
General Information for Applying Organizations
FCA provides grants to organizations that support or present professional artists making work of a contemporary or experimental nature. While there are many other arts nonprofits who do invaluable work, FCA has limited funds for this program and can only consider funding those organizations with a targeted mission in line with the Foundation's own.
FCA does NOT award grants to:
• For-profit organizations
• Organizations outside of the United States
• Artists' collectives or performing groups (e.g. dance/theater companies, musical ensembles, etc.)
• Museums
• Galleries, museums or art centers affiliated with colleges or universities
• Organizations that provide education and training activities, or performing activities for/by youth or students
• It is with rare exception that FCA supports organizations with annual operating budgets larger than $2 million.
Guidelines and Application Checklist (revised 8/10)
Please follow the guidelines listed below. Downloaded application forms should be sent by mail. A cover letter is not necessary.
We are unable to consider applications that do not adhere to the following format.
No exceptions will be made.
• Applications must be completed in 12 point, Ariel or Times fonts, single spaced. All pages must be single-sided. Specified word counts must be strictly adhered to.
• Please do NOT include: Videotapes, DVDs, CDs, or binders. These materials will not be viewed or returned.
• If you are a first-time applicant, you may submit pamphlets, brochures, press or relevant print materials (1 set only).
Applications should be mailed to:
Foundation for Contemporary Arts
820 Greenwich Street
New York, NY 10014
The Foundation does not accept applications via email.
