CFAs: Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants Program (US)

The New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) is accepting applications for the Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants Program, providing one-time financial support of up to $5,000 to U.S.-based artists facing unexpected medical, dental, or mental health emergencies that affect their creative practice. Eligible artists in visual arts, film, video, electronic/digital arts, and choreography can use funds to cover emergency-related out-of-pocket expenses, ensuring continuity in their artistic work.

Overview

The Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants Program offers one-time financial assistance to artists in the United States experiencing sudden medical, dental, or mental health emergencies. The program aims to help artists continue or return to their creative practice by providing support for urgent, unexpected expenses.

Eligible grant amounts are up to $5,000, covering out-of-pocket costs directly related to the emergency.

Who Is Eligible

Eligible applicants must:

• Be U.S.-based generative artists in visual arts, film, video, electronic/digital arts, or choreography

• Demonstrate a commitment to their art form with sustained public-facing activity since 2020

• Have experienced a one-time, non-chronic emergency within the last six months

• Fall within specified income limits (as defined by NYFA)

• Have the emergency and treatment occur within the United States or its territories

Acceptable public-facing activity includes exhibitions, screenings, performances, festivals, residencies with public components, community projects, or other public art contexts. Reduced activity due to the pandemic or personal/medical reasons is acceptable if prior activity can be documented.

What Expenses Are Covered

Grant funds may be used for:

• Emergency medical provider bills, diagnostics, consultations, and therapy directly related to the emergency

• Prescription medications specific to the condition

• Emergency dental care

• Transportation to and from medical appointments

Funds cannot be used for:

• Non-emergency or chronic conditions

• Elective procedures

• Insurance premiums

• Non-medical expenses

Application Process

1. Submit a written description of the emergency, its onset, and its impact on creative practice

2. Provide economic and medical documentation where available

3. Include a resume, bio, or CV demonstrating sustained artistic activity

4. Provide income information as requested

Applications are reviewed through a two-step process:

• NYFA Grants Staff review for eligibility and completeness

• Eligible applications are assessed by an external panel

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Severity and urgency of the medical emergency

• Economic impact on the artist

• Potential of funding to help the artist continue or return to creative work

• Demonstrated commitment to artistic practice

Due to limited funds, not all applicants receive awards, and submission does not guarantee funding.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly describe how the emergency has impacted your creative practice

• Include documentation of expenses and medical need

• Highlight past public-facing artistic activity

• Demonstrate the financial urgency and need for support

• Provide concise and accurate income and budget information

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for this grant?
U.S.-based artists in visual arts, film, video, electronic/digital arts, or choreography who have experienced a recent, unexpected medical, dental, or mental health emergency.

2. What types of emergencies are eligible?
One-time, non-chronic conditions caused by illness, accidents, violence, or sudden events within the last six months.

3. How much funding is available?
Up to $5,000 per eligible artist.

4. What can grant funds be used for?
Emergency medical bills, diagnostics, consultations, therapy, prescription medications, emergency dental care, and transportation to appointments.

5. Can I apply for ongoing or chronic medical treatments?
No. Only one-time, unexpected emergencies are eligible.

6. Is prior artistic activity required?
Yes, applicants must demonstrate sustained public-facing activity since 2020 in their eligible art form.

7. How are applications reviewed?
Applications are first reviewed for eligibility by NYFA staff and then assessed by an external panel based on need, severity, economic impact, and potential to continue creative work.

Conclusion

The Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants Program provides critical financial support for artists facing sudden medical, dental, or mental health crises. By assisting with urgent expenses, the program ensures that artists can maintain or return to their creative practice, safeguarding their ability to continue contributing to the arts.