Emergency Mental Health Grant Program

Geographic Scope: New York City

Focus Areas: Mental health support for indie theater artists

Eligibility:

• Individual indie theater artists
• NYC-based
• Must be deemed eligible by IndieSpace team

What the Grant Covers:

• Therapy costs
• Medication
• Meditation classes
• Any other mental health-related expenses

Program Details:

• Awards distributed via monthly lottery drawings
• As of January 2026, all eligible applicants who applied in 2025 and were still awaiting grants received a $500 grant
• Applicants from 2026 will be entered into the first lottery when program reopens
• Program paused for reflection and improvements to applicant experience, lottery system, and grant management process
• Program is NOT being discontinued and will remain a granting program

Background: IndieSpace created this program recognizing that as the number of grant requests outnumbers available budget, a lottery system ensures fairness. The program aims to remove financial barriers preventing artists from accessing mental health care and support.

Application Process

Status: Applications currently PAUSED as of January 21, 2026

When Reopened:

• Application portal will reopen in the coming months
• Eligible applicants will be notified of lottery dates and new lottery numbers
• IndieSpace will communicate any eligibility concerns or additional actions needed before lottery

Selection Method:

• Monthly lottery drawing from eligible applicants
• Random selection process

For More Information:

• Contact: hello@indiespace.org
• Visit: indiespace.org