Your organization's programming must give the public the opportunity to experience it, whether for free or for a fee. NYFA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and can only extend that status to work that benefits the public. Programming made solely for a private client or a single institution is not eligible.
Public benefit does not mean your programming has to be free. Examples that meet the requirement:
A ticketed concert, performance, or reading season
An exhibition at a gallery or museum
Classes or workshops open to the public, free or for a fee
A book, album, or film available for purchase
A free community event, open rehearsal, or online release
Online releases count as public benefit, but we recommend also including an in-person event, such as a screening, performance, or workshop.
A ticket price or admission fee does not make your organization ineligible. However, plan to include at least one way for the public to access your work at low or no cost, such as a free screening or performance, a pay-what-you-can night, a free community event or talkback, an open rehearsal, or discounted tickets for students or community groups. Describe this in your answer about how the public will experience your work.
NYFA is a US 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and donations to sponsored organizations are tax-deductible for US taxpayers. Because of this, your programming needs to be meaningfully accessible to people in the US.
Your programming can include international activity, such as touring or presenting abroad. Reviewers need to see that it also has a public outcome US audiences can access, or that US-based artists are involved in creative or performance roles. US-based artists are artists living in the US who hold creative or performance roles.
If your organization has international activity, describe your US audience or artist involvement.
Name the formats you offer (performances, exhibitions, classes, screenings), where they take place (venue, online platform, public space), and whether they are free or ticketed. If you have audience demographics, add them.
Reviewers want to know why your organization matters to its field and community. Explain what you offer that others do not, what gap you fill, or what tradition, community, or practice you support.
Example: "We are one of the few organizations in the Bronx commissioning new works for brass bands. We keep Latin and Caribbean street-band traditions alive, pay local musicians fairly, and train young players. We share every commissioned score free with community bands and music teachers, so the work reaches beyond our own concerts."
List each venue or platform, whether it is confirmed or potential, and the expected dates.
No venue yet? Describe the type of venue you are seeking and your plan to secure it.
This helps reviewers see that your venue plans are in progress. Include any proof, such as confirmation emails or letters, venue or rental agreements, letters of intent, screenshots of emails confirming dates, booking confirmations, or festival acceptance letters.
Formal contracts are not required. If you have multiple files, combine them into one PDF.
Name the specific channels, partners, venues, or networks you will use. If you have reached similar audiences before, describe it.
Reviewers want to see that you know where your audience is and how you will reach it. Numbers help, such as list sizes and past attendance.
Partners are organizations with a formal role in reaching your audience or delivering your programs, such as venues, cultural institutions, schools, community centers, or media outlets. They are not your own team.
Give each partner's name, role, and whether it is confirmed.
If you have none, enter N/A.
Educational components include workshops, classes, lectures, curriculum, panel discussions, and other structured learning.
If there are none, enter N/A.
This means any activity where people under 18 take part directly, as students, performers, interview subjects, or participants.
Describe the activity and your team's relevant experience or credentials.
You can upload credentials and previous work with minors in Part 6 (under Letters of Support).
If your programming does not involve minors, enter N/A.