2026 Support for Sponsored Organizations Grant

The New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) offers the FY2026 Support for Sponsored Organizations grant to facilitate flexible, streamlined funding for arts and cultural programming within New York State. This funding opportunity is specifically designed for arts entities that do not qualify to apply directly—such as unincorporated groups, programs within universities or social service organizations, and nonprofits not yet recognized as 501(c)(3) entities. These groups, referred to as sponsorees, must apply through a qualified fiscal sponsor organization that meets NYSCA’s eligibility and prequalification requirements. NYSCA’s mission is to promote the diversity and accessibility of the arts in New York and support creativity as a vital community asset. This grant opportunity aligns with those values by prioritizing support for entities that serve underrepresented communities, including racial and ethnic minorities, rural residents, LGBTQIA individuals, and others facing barriers to accessing cultural programming. Fiscal sponsors may provide limited or comprehensive support services and are required to be either a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, a state or federally recognized Native American nation, or a local or federal governmental unit registered in New York State. Each fiscal sponsor may support only one sponsored application unless they are a designated service organization, in which case they may support up to 50 sponsorees. Eligible sponsorees must have documented arts and cultural expenses of at least $20,000 in their 2024 fiscal year and must conduct publicly accessible programming within New York. Grants range from $10,000 to $49,500 and may not exceed 50% of the sponsoree's 2024 operating expenses. Funds may be used for various eligible purposes including staff salaries, artist fees, New York-based travel, rent, utilities, and marketing, but may not be used for lobbying, out-of-state activities, entertainment costs, or deficits. Fiscal sponsors may retain an administrative fee of up to 5% of the awarded amount, and both parties must execute a NYSCA-approved Letter of Agreement outlining their roles and responsibilities. Applications will be judged based on three weighted criteria: creativity, public service, and managerial and financial strength. Reviewers will consider the clarity of artistic vision, the organization's service to underrepresented groups, community impact, governance practices, and financial stability. Applications scoring 2 or lower in any category will not be considered for funding. The application must be submitted by the fiscal sponsor through the NYSCA portal and must include narrative responses, financial documentation, and supporting materials such as work samples and a board list. Additional documentation required includes an income statement for 2024, a board-approved budget for 2025, and a detailed proposed use of funds. Both prequalification in the Statewide Financial System (SFS) and a completed application are required by the final deadline of Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 5 p.m. Award announcements are expected by December 2025. Questions can be submitted to program-specific NYSCA staff at least two weeks prior to the deadline. Technical support is available at help@arts.ny.gov or via the SFS Help Desk.