The Rauschenberg Dancer Emergency Grants offer financial support of up to $3,000 to professional dancers in dire financial need. Administered by the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) and funded by the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation, the program addresses emergencies caused by circumstances outside a dancer’s control, such as canceled performances, lost contracts, illness, or injury. Since its inception in 2022, the program has aimed to alleviate financial strain and provide stability for dancers, particularly in light of the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and other career interruptions.

These grants are intended to cover essential expenses such as housing, utilities, food, healthcare, and transportation. Additionally, up to $1,000 of the funds may be used for dance-related needs like class fees, dance gear, rehearsal space rental, and physical therapy. The program is designed to support up to three consecutive months of emergency expenses, ensuring that dancers can address immediate needs while maintaining their ability to perform and teach.

To qualify, applicants must meet three eligibility criteria: Individual, Artistic, and Emergency. For individual eligibility, dancers must be at least 21 years old, reside in the United States, the District of Columbia, a Tribal Nation, or a U.S. Territory, and have an adjusted gross income averaging $75,000 or less (or $150,000 for joint filers) over the past two federal tax returns. They must not be enrolled in a degree program or have previously received a Rauschenberg Dancer or Medical Emergency Grant. Applicants must also demonstrate ongoing professional activity as a dancer.

Artistic eligibility requires applicants to have worked as paid live performers for at least five years, with at least one paid engagement annually since 2019. Eligible dance styles include ballet, modern, hip-hop, jazz, and traditional/folk, performed in public-facing settings such as ticketed events or festivals. Activities in educational, social, or commercial settings, such as competitions or clubs, do not qualify. Inactivity due to COVID-19 is allowable, as is performance work shared through non-ticketed public events.

Emergency eligibility requires applicants to demonstrate a financial emergency, such as the inability to afford essential expenses like rent, healthcare, or food. The emergency must result from circumstances beyond their control, such as canceled contracts, injury, or illness, and must have occurred within six months of the application deadline.

The program is accepting applications for Cycle 16 through December 10, 2024, at 5:00 PM ET, with recipients notified by January 31, 2025. Future cycles are planned, including Cycle 17, opening on January 14, 2025, and closing on February 11, 2025. Applications must be submitted online via NYFA’s portal. Submissions cannot be edited after submission, so applicants are advised to review their materials carefully before applying.

NYFA encourages applications from dancers of color, LGBTQ+ dancers, dancers with disabilities, and those living outside major metropolitan areas. Assistance and accommodations are available by contacting emergencyfunds@nyfa.org or calling 212-366-6900 x 239. Requests for support should be made at least two weeks before the application deadline.

The Rauschenberg Dancer Emergency Grants are a vital resource for dancers facing financial hardship, helping to ensure that artists can meet their basic needs while continuing their creative work. Eligible dancers are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to secure much-needed relief and stability.