The New York Community Trust’s Edward and Sally Van Lier Fellowship Program aims to advance the careers of young professional artists aged 18 to 30 from historically underrepresented populations. The program funds nonprofit arts organizations in New York City to provide fellowships that include financial stipends, mentorship, training, workspace, and opportunities for public presentation. The ultimate goal is to support young artists in gaining significant professional credits that catalyze future career opportunities.
The Trust expects to award two- or three-year grants, with a maximum total request of $150,000. Each grantee organization must support at least two fellows, providing them with the necessary resources and tracking their career development. Preference is given to organizations serving artists marginalized by race, ethnicity, ability, or gender identity. Activities funded can include coaching, supplies, travel, production costs, and living expenses. Fellowships must be designed to create lasting professional impact, and fellows cannot be enrolled in academic programs during the fellowship.
Applications are due electronically by 5:00 PM ET on Thursday, May 22, 2025, with award announcements expected in October 2025. The grant is open only to tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations in New York City with annual budgets exceeding $250,000. Organizations currently holding an active arts program grant from The Trust concluding after October 2025 are ineligible. Application materials must be submitted in a single PDF file and include a narrative proposal, multi-year project budget, board list, actuals from the most recently completed fiscal year, and current/projected operating budgets.
For questions about eligibility or application requirements, applicants should contact Chiara Ricisak at cricisak@thenytrust.org.
