NYFA Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants

The Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants program is a national initiative designed to provide one-time financial assistance to artists experiencing recent, unexpected medical, dental, or mental health emergencies. Administered by the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) and funded by the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation, the program underscores the late artist Robert Rauschenberg's enduring commitment to supporting fellow creatives in times of crisis. Originally rooted in his 1970 establishment of Change, Inc., the grant continues his legacy by helping artists in financial need avoid delays in critical treatment or the burden of insurmountable debt. The program offers grants of up to $5,000 to generative artists working in visual arts, choreography, or film/video/electronic/digital arts. The scope of funding is narrowly focused on direct costs related to qualifying emergency medical events. Importantly, funds cannot be used for lost wages, living expenses, or to provide care for others besides the artist. Additionally, the medical emergency and treatment must occur within the United States, its territories, Tribal Nations, or the District of Columbia. Approximately $150,000 in funding is distributed each cycle, and although demand consistently exceeds supply, artists are encouraged to apply if they meet the eligibility criteria. To be eligible, applicants must be 21 years or older and residents of the United States, its territories, or Tribal Nations. They must not be enrolled in any degree-seeking programs and must demonstrate a sustained and public record of artistic activity over the past five years, with at least one publicly-accessible project or event per year (with limited allowances for pandemic- or health-related slowdowns). The grant is exclusive to generative artists, meaning those who are primarily responsible for the creation of the work. This includes choreographers, visual artists, and film/video/digital artists such as directors or credited co-makers. Performers, screenwriters, cinematographers, and other support roles are not eligible. Applicants’ average adjusted gross income over their last two filed tax years must not exceed $80,000 for individuals or $160,000 for joint filers. The emergency criteria are equally specific: the condition must be non-chronic and unexpected, though recent diagnoses of long-term illnesses (e.g., cancer, multiple sclerosis) or severe escalations of chronic conditions may also qualify under defined circumstances. Emergencies must have occurred within roughly the last six months from the cycle deadline. The grant supports costs associated with diagnosis, emergency surgery, and other treatment necessary to stabilize the condition. Each application is reviewed by NYFA, and while submission does not guarantee funding, careful consideration is given to each case based on need and eligibility. The current application cycle, Cycle 35, opened on February 10, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET and closes on March 10, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET. Applications must be submitted through Submittable, and the portal will automatically close at the listed deadline. Applicants will be notified of decisions by April 23, 2026. Each cycle has a specific eligibility window for when the emergency must have occurred. For Cycle 35, eligible emergencies must have occurred on or after August 1, 2025. Cycle 36 will follow, with applications opening April 14, 2026, and closing May 12, 2026, for emergencies dated October 1, 2025, or later. The program is anticipated to continue with regular cycles. There are no pre-application requirements such as letters of intent or concept notes. While previous recipients may reapply, a minimum of five years must have passed since their initial award date. For additional information or assistance, applicants may contact NYFA at their New York office.

4–6 hours