Q: Do you fund organizations that are just getting off the ground?

A: Grants are most often made to organizations that have already received support from multiple sources and are at a moment of programmatic strength, having figured out the best ways to support artists.

Q: If I am applying for two-year program support do I need to have the full schedule of exhibitions and public programs nailed down?

A: No. We understand that in order to be responsive to artists, schedules can’t be set in stone so far in advance. Please include as many details as you have at the time of application (or select a few compelling examples) and give a rough idea of the kind of work/artists/project that will be showcased in the following year.

Q: Do you fund multiple exhibitions by the same artist?

A: We try to support as many artists as possible with our grants; consequently, we only support one major project of an artist over the course of their career. It is best to call in advance to determine if the foundation has already supported the artist in question.

Q: Do you support documentary films?

A: The foundation does not specialize in funding documentaries – or any fiction or non-fiction films – though occasionally it will support projects that explicitly engage the contemporary visual art world. These projects must be experimental in form and/or content and must address under-studied figures or histories.

Q: Do you fund artist residencies?

A: Yes. A strong application for a residency program should include a public facing component and/or professional development opportunity such as open studios, exhibitions, public events, and facilitated connections with mentors, critics, scholars, and community members.

Q: Can I include testimonials from artists?

A: Testimonials are not necessary, and as they are expected to be positive, rarely do much to advance a case for funding.

Q: If my organization received multi-year support from the Foundation, when may it apply again?

A: Grantees are ineligible to apply until a full calendar year has passed following the end of a grant.

Q: Do I have a better chance of receiving a grant once my organization has been funded once?

A: Not necessarily. No funding is ongoing. Priority goes to first time grantees in regions both rural and urban across the country.

Q: Does the Foundation like to be the sole supporter of a project?

A: The only category of grant where full funding might be appropriate is the Curatorial Research Fellowship. Otherwise, grants should represent no more than 25% of an organization’s budget or 25% of the direct costs of a large-scale project.

Q: Does the Foundation like to see programs named after its support?

A: No. The Foundation tends not to fund art prizes, named Fellowships, or permanent installations of any kind.

Q: Do you support projects by Andy Warhol?

A: No. Projects should not have any explicit connection to Warhol or his work nor should applications focus on his legacy, his methodology, or his vision.

Q: Does the Foundation give grants to individual artists?

A: No. The Foundation does not give grants directly to individuals. However, it does provide substantial support to Creative Capital, which in turn provides professional development and project grants to individual artists. Creative Capital also administers the Arts Writers program which makes grants to individual writers. The Foundation gives money to non-profit cultural organizations to directly support artists through visual arts programming and regranting initiatives. A good source for individual visual artists to find out about grant opportunities is the New York Foundation for the Arts and the NYFA Source hotline, 800-232-2789, as well as The Foundation Center.

Q: Do you fund internationally?

A: A very small percentage of grants are made to organizations based outside of the US. Organizations must submit a letter of inquiry before the deadline after which they may be invited to make a full application. If international projects have a US venue, provide opportunities for a broad network of underserved international artists, or undertake themes that have not been adequately engaged in the US, they will be more competitive.

Q: Do you speak to applicants before receiving proposals?

A: If you’ve read through the guidelines and FAQs and still have specific questions about a proposal, you can reach out to program staff who will do their best to respond in a timely manner. Please note that program staff are unable to read drafts.