Arts Organizations

The Cultural Sustainability grant, funded by The Wallace Foundation and managed regionally by U.S. Regional Arts Organizations like NEFA, offers operating support grants for arts organizations of color in New England with annual expenses under $500,000. This one-time grant aims to sustain and expand the practices of organizations that provide impactful arts and cultural experiences, fostering cross-cultural engagement and establishing them as well-resourced cultural pillars in the region. Grants range from $20,000 to $100,000, depending on the organization’s budget size, with partial funding available, ensuring that awards are no less than 80% of the requested amount. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, fiscally sponsored groups, artist-centered LLCs, and federally recognized tribal governments with a significant arts and cultural presence in New England (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont). Organizations must demonstrate three or more years of active programming in the arts, maintain an updated CreativeGround profile, and have a Unique Entity ID in SAM.gov. This grant is exclusively for organizations of color, defined as entities that are artistically or administratively led by persons of color, primarily serve communities of color, or were founded by and for a community of color. Funding priorities focus on cultural impact, equitable practices, sustainability planning, and active cohort participation. Additional consideration is given to organizations whose staff and board reflect their served communities, those preserving immigrant or indigenous traditions, those providing economic benefits to artists of color, and those based in rural areas. Funding is flexible, covering expenses such as salaries, utilities, professional development, and other operating costs, though it excludes capital projects like construction. The application period for the 2024 Cultural Sustainability grant closes on November 21, 2024, at 11:59 PM ET, with a review by a majority-BIPOC panel of arts professionals. Notifications are expected in March 2025, and the grant period will run from May 1, 2025, to June 15, 2026. Grantees will participate in a learning cohort, meeting monthly online and once in person, and will complete interim and final check-ins with NEFA staff to receive the full grant amount in three installments: 70% at the start, 15% after an interim check-in, and the remaining 15% following approval of a final report due by July 31, 2026. Application support is available throughout the process, with NEFA staff holding regular office hours and information sessions to assist applicants.