NEA Research Grants in the Arts, FY 2027

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) administers the Research Grants in the Arts program to support research studies investigating the value and impact of the arts on various aspects of American life. This program, part of the NEA's broader Research Awards portfolio, focuses on projects that demonstrate national, regional, or field-wide significance. With an estimated total funding of $1,025,000, the agency expects to issue between 10 and 20 awards ranging from $20,000 to $100,000. All awards require a nonfederal 1:1 cost share. The program operates under the authority of 20 U.S.C. § 954, with all awards subject to the NEA’s General Terms & Conditions. Research topics supported under this program include Arts and Health, Arts and the Economy, and Arts and Education. Specific areas of interest include the impact of the arts on military personnel, veterans, pediatric healthcare, substance use recovery, and emergency response, as well as the role of the arts in economic development through AI, disability inclusion, and skilled trade preparation. Additionally, the NEA prioritizes research on academic and social outcomes for students, especially those with autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disabilities. Research proposals originating from or partnered with Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, Tribal communities, and Asian American and Pacific Islander groups are strongly encouraged. Applicants are expected to submit rigorous, theory-driven research plans informed by literature reviews and supported by qualified personnel. Funded studies may employ a wide range of research methods such as experimental designs, meta-analyses, quasi-experimental studies, surveys, or mixed-methods approaches. Translational research aiming to develop and test arts-related models, tools, or programs that can be replicated by practitioners is also encouraged. Each project must result in a publishable research product: a 15–30-page final paper accompanied by a concise abstract. This product is due within 120 days of the project’s end date. Projects may have a performance period of up to two years, beginning no earlier than January 1, 2027. Eligible applicants include nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) U.S. organizations; units of state or local government; and federally recognized tribal communities or tribes. Applicants must have at least five years of operational history and active registrations with SAM.gov, Login.gov, and Grants.gov at the time of application. Institutions of higher education qualify if they meet these criteria. Fiscal sponsors and for-profit entities are not eligible. Only one application per project may be submitted, though organizations may apply for distinctly different projects under both the Research Grants in the Arts and the NEA Research Labs funding opportunities. The application process comprises two parts. Part 1 opens in February 2026 and must be submitted via Grants.gov by March 23, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Part 2 opens March 26, 2026, and must be submitted via the NEA Applicant Portal by April 2, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Late or incomplete submissions will not be reviewed, and technical extensions are granted only in cases of verified federal system failure. Applications are evaluated based on artistic excellence and merit, with particular emphasis on methodological rigor, dissemination plans, and public benefit. Applicants selected for funding will be notified by November 2026. For assistance, applicants may contact NEA staff at [email protected]. Detailed guidelines, FAQs, and application instructions are available in the official program documentation. Additional registration guidance and accessibility accommodations are also provided. The NEA maintains a firm commitment to accessibility and civil rights, requiring funded projects to comply with ADA standards and be inclusive to people with disabilities. Compliance documentation, IRB approval, and ethics training are required prior to release of funds.

Use theory-driven research with clear methodology and strong dissemination plan for best chances of funding.