The New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) Reserve Fund Grants (RFG) program provides grants to NYSCA-funded nonprofit arts organizations in New York State to establish or build upon existing reserve funds. This initiative acknowledges the volatility faced by arts organizations, including rising costs, reduced philanthropy, and unpredictable revenue streams. Reserve funds can help organizations weather financial challenges, cover unexpected expenses, strengthen balance sheets for future fundraising, and enhance strategic planning and capacity-building efforts.
Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations based in New York State with a primary mission in arts and culture, an operating budget under $3 million, and a record of receiving NYSCA funding in at least one of the past three fiscal years (FY23–FY25). Organizations that are fiscally sponsored or embedded within non-arts nonprofits are not eligible. Special encouragement is given to rural, BIPOC-led, and community-based organizations.
Grant awards will range from $10,000 to $75,000 depending on the applicant’s operating budget. In total, $1,760,000 will be distributed through this program. Funds are disbursed in two installments: 80% after submission and approval of a board-adopted reserve policy, and 20% after a final report demonstrates that grant funds were retained in an interest-bearing account for at least three months. Recipients will also benefit from supplementary support including a virtual workshop, a one-on-one consulting session, and monthly office hours focused on organizational sustainability.
Applications open on April 22, 2025, at 10:00 AM ET and close on June 17, 2025, at 5:00 PM ET. Applications must be submitted through Submittable, and late submissions will not be accepted. All applicants will be notified of their status by Fall 2025. For additional information or assistance, applicants are encouraged to contact apply@nyfa.org or visit the NYSCA Reserve Fund Grants homepage.
