The Rauschenberg Dancer Emergency Grant Program, administered by the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA), provides one-time grants of up to $3,000 to professional dancers in the United States facing severe financial emergencies. The program supports essential living expenses resulting from loss or lack of live performance work due to circumstances beyond the dancer’s control, including pandemic-related disruptions, illness, or injury.
Program Overview
The Rauschenberg Dancer Emergency Grant Program is a targeted financial relief initiative designed to support professional dancers experiencing acute financial hardship.
Administered by the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA), the program helps stabilize dancers whose livelihoods have been disrupted due to the loss or absence of recent live performance work. The grant recognizes the continued economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the dance sector, as well as other unforeseen career interruptions such as illness or injury.
This is a highly competitive program with limited funding, and not all eligible applicants will receive an award.
Grant Amount and Funding Scope
The program provides one-time emergency grants to help cover essential living expenses during a defined eligible period.
Key funding details include:
Maximum grant amount of up to $3,000 per recipient
Grants may cover up to three months of essential expenses
Approximately $65,000 is distributed per grant cycle
Funding is limited and demand significantly exceeds available resources
Submitting an application does not guarantee funding
What the Grant Can Be Used For
The grant is intended strictly for essential living expenses that support basic stability during a financial emergency.
Eligible Expenses
Housing-related costs, including rent or mortgage payments
Utilities such as electricity, gas, water, or internet
Food and groceries
Healthcare and medical expenses
Transportation costs
Other essential personal living expenses deemed reasonable
Ineligible or Excluded Expenses
Non-essential or discretionary spending
Expenses not directly related to the applicant
Costs incurred outside the United States
Any expenses determined unreasonable or ineligible by the administering organization
Final determinations regarding eligible expenses are made by NYFA.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must meet all individual, artistic, and emergency eligibility requirements by the application deadline.
Individual Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
Be at least 21 years old
Reside in the United States or its jurisdictions
Meet income eligibility requirements based on recent federal tax returns
Not be enrolled in a degree-seeking academic program
Not have received a Rauschenberg Emergency Grant within the past five years
Certify the accuracy of all submitted information
Artistic Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate sustained professional activity as a dancer.
To qualify artistically, applicants must:
Have worked as a paid, live dance performer for at least the past five years
Have presented regular public-facing, live performances since 2020
Demonstrate ongoing professional engagement in dance
Not rely exclusively on online or virtual performances
Perform in recognized stage or performance-based dance styles
Full-time employment in dance is not required.
Reduced activity during certain periods may be acceptable under specific conditions outlined by the program.
Emergency Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be experiencing a dire financial emergency that:
Arose within approximately the last six months
Was caused by a loss or lack of paid live dance work
Resulted from circumstances outside the applicant’s control
Requires assistance for essential living expenses
All requested expenses must be incurred and paid within the United States.
Why This Grant Matters
The Rauschenberg Dancer Emergency Grant Program provides critical short-term relief in a sector with limited financial safety nets.
The program matters because it:
Addresses immediate economic instability among professional dancers
Acknowledges the prolonged impact of COVID-19 on live performance careers
Supports artists during health-related or career-disrupting emergencies
Helps dancers regain stability and continue their professional practice
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online through NYFA and require detailed documentation and disclosures.
Application Requirements
Applicants must complete an online application that includes:
Personal and contact information
Detailed description of the financial emergency
Explanation of loss or lack of live performance work
Itemized list of requested essential expenses
Information on steps being taken toward financial stability
Resume or CV demonstrating sustained professional dance activity
Certification affirming the truthfulness and accuracy of all materials
Important Application Notes
All eligibility criteria must be met by the cycle deadline
Incomplete or inaccurate applications may be disqualified
Applicants should provide clear, specific, and verifiable information
Review and Selection Process
Due to limited funding, the selection process prioritizes economic urgency.
How Applications Are Reviewed
Initial eligibility screening by NYFA staff
Panel assessment focused on financial urgency and emergency severity
Final award decisions determined through a combination of scoring and a lottery system
Not all eligible applications will receive funding
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applying without meeting the five-year professional dance requirement
Requesting non-essential or ineligible expenses
Failing to clearly explain the emergency and its cause
Submitting incomplete resumes or unclear work histories
Assuming eligibility guarantees funding
Tips for a Strong Application
Clearly document the financial emergency and its timeline
Focus on essential expenses only
Provide a detailed and professional dance resume
Explain how the grant will help restore short-term stability
Ensure all information is accurate and consistent across sections
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Rauschenberg Dancer Emergency Grant?
It is a one-time emergency financial assistance program providing up to $3,000 to professional dancers in the U.S. facing severe financial hardship due to loss of live performance work.
Who administers the grant?
The program is administered by the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA).
Is this grant related to COVID-19?
Yes. The program recognizes the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on the dance sector, while also supporting emergencies caused by illness, injury, or other uncontrollable circumstances.
Can students apply for this grant?
No. Applicants must not be enrolled in a degree-seeking academic program at the time of application.
Are online-only dancers eligible?
No. Applicants must demonstrate professional experience in paid, live, public-facing dance performances.
How often can someone receive this grant?
Applicants cannot have received a Rauschenberg Emergency Grant within the past five years.
Does meeting eligibility guarantee funding?
No. Funding is limited, and awards are based on urgency and a competitive review process that includes a lottery component.
Conclusion
The Rauschenberg Dancer Emergency Grant Program is a vital safety net for professional dancers facing sudden and severe financial crises.
By providing short-term, essential support of up to $3,000, the program helps dancers regain stability during periods of disrupted income and continue contributing to the live performance ecosystem in the United States.
For more information, visit New York Foundation for the Arts.
