The Rauschenberg Dancer Emergency Grants are officially open for applications, offering a vital lifeline for professional dancers facing unexpected medical hurdles.
Administered by the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) in partnership with the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation, this program ensures that physical or mental health crises do not prematurely end a career.
This initiative honors the legacy of artist Robert Rauschenberg, who maintained a deep, lifelong connection to the dance community and recognized the physical toll of the profession.
By addressing urgent financial needs, the program seeks to keep the nation’s performers on their feet and active in their creative pursuits.
Unlike general arts funding or project-based fellowships, these grants are specifically designed for emergencies.
They target professional dancers across all genres who find themselves burdened by medical, dental, or mental health expenses that they cannot afford to pay on their own.
Funding and benefits
Successful applicants can receive one-time grants of up to $5,000 to alleviate the burden of unexpected healthcare costs.
These funds are intended to cover essential expenses that have occurred within a specific timeframe or are immediately pending due to an emergency.
The benefits extend beyond standard medical procedures or surgeries.
The grant covers a wide range of holistic needs, including emergency dental work and mental health services, acknowledging that a dancer’s total well-being is essential to their craft.
This financial support acts as a critical bridge, allowing performers to focus on their recovery and physical rehabilitation rather than the stress of mounting debt.
By providing direct relief, the foundation helps preserve the vibrancy and stability of the performing arts sector.
Application requirement
To be eligible, individuals must be professional dancers who can demonstrate a recent history of paid public performances.
Generally, this requires showing participation in professional productions or tours within the last two years.
Applicants must also be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA recipients currently residing in the United States, the District of Columbia, or U.S. territories.
Crucially, they must demonstrate that the emergency expense creates a significant and immediate financial hardship.
The application process requires thorough documentation of both professional status and the medical emergency itself.
This includes providing proof of performance history alongside official invoices, bills, or medical estimates for the required healthcare services.
Deadline
The deadline for this application is February 10, 2026. Visit New York Foundation for the Arts website to apply. Explore more global calls on our Opportunities page
Summary not available at this time.
