Relief Funds and Business Support
NYSCA recognizes the challenges our cultural sector is facing, and we are devoted to helping you access the support you need. We will regularly update our listings of relief funds for organizations and individuals, small business and nonprofit loan programs, and legal assistance.
Funds for Individual Artists and Arts Professionals
Small Business and Non-Profit Loans
Legal and Financial Assistance
Funds for Individuals
Published in July 2021, this resource offers guidance for arts organizations, businesses, cultural workers, and artists on federal disaster assistance programs.
Apply for one-time grants of up to $5,000 for recent unexpected medical, dental, and mental health emergencies for artists. Learn more about the current grant cycle. Additional cycles will continue through at least June, 2022.
Up to $1,000 is available for arts professionals with a demonstrated need for medical aid, legal aid, or housing.
These grants support experienced painters, printmakers, and sculptors facing catastrophic events. Awards are up to $15,000 and typically $5,000.
Grants of $5,000 to professional dancers who have experienced dire financial emergencies due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Artists and administrators identifying as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) are eligible for $200 grants on a first-come-first-served basis.
Learn more about CRNY’s three-year $125M investment in the financial stability of New York State artists and the organizations that employ them.
Governor Hochul recently announced her $450 Million "Bring Back Tourism, Bring Back Jobs" Inclusive Recovery Package, including a $100 Million Tourism Return-to-Work Grant Program. You can read more about the programs below and more details are available on the Empire State Development website.
Program Guidelines and FAQ now available.
Check out this grants program for organizations from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The NEA funds projects in a variety of artistic disciplines.
Non-profit organizations in DC, DE, MD, NJ, NY, PA, VA, USVI or WV which seek to engage folk and traditional artists, practitioners, or culture bearers in community-based projects are eligible for funding in amounts from $1,000 to $7,000.
The U.S. S.B.A. provides information about loans and business development and guidance for employers, including the Paycheck Protection Program.
NYC's S.B.S. page has an employee retention grant program, zero interest loan information, and guidance and FAQs for business owners.
New York Forward Loan Fund (NYFLF) supports New York State small businesses, nonprofits and small landlords as they reopen after the COVID-19 outbreak and NYS on PAUSE.
NYCON provides free PPP and EIDL consulting and webinars on funding resources and sustainability. NYSCA grantees are also given free membership to NYCON that includes access to one-on-one consultations and services.
Visit Lawyers Alliance for up-to-date legal information, guidance on topics such as contracts and board relations, and resources for non-profits.
Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts NY provides free or low-fee legal services to protect and educate individuals and arts organizations across the state.
Artistic entities with annual operating budgets under $125,000 can now access pro bono financial assistance. Entities with budget sizes over $125,000 will also have access to the program at significantly subsidized rates.