The Rauschenberg Dancer Emergency Grants, administered by the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) and funded by the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation, provide one-time grants of up to $3,000 to professional dancers experiencing a dire financial emergency. These grants are designed to help dancers stabilize their financial situation by covering essential expenses for up to three months. The program recognizes the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, career interruptions, injuries, and other challenges within the dance sector. Applicants must demonstrate urgent financial need, such as housing, medical care, utilities, or food expenses.

Applications are accepted in specific cycles throughout the fiscal year, with approximately $65,000 allocated for each round. The program is competitive, and applications are evaluated for completeness and economic urgency. Eligible applicants include dancers who meet individual, artistic, and emergency eligibility criteria. Applicants must submit documentation, including a detailed description of their financial emergency, their dance history, and proof of eligibility.