NYSCA/NYFA Community Arts Leaders Program Grant

The NYSCA/NYFA Community Arts Leaders Program provides essential support for 45 nonprofit arts organizations in New York State. This program, funded by the New York State Council on the Arts, offers workshops on governance, marketing, and fundraising, along with personalized coaching to address specific growth challenges. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)3 status and an operating budget under $1.5 million, with a focus on rural and BIPOC-led groups encouraged to apply.

This annual statewide program offers 45 nonprofit arts organizations insight into strategies to optimize their organizations and individualized support to address an immediate area of growth. The program is administered by NYFA with funding support from the New York State Council on the Arts.
Program Highlights
Technical Workshops: Participants learn best strategies behind key areas of organizational operations including Board Governance, Marketing, Fundraising, Succession Planning, Capital Management, Advocacy, and Leadership.Consulting and Coaching: Organizations receive individualized follow-up support from a consultant or coach to address a specific issue facing their growth.Board and Director Participation: The Executive Director and Board Chair from accepted organizations are both invited to participate in the program.Peer Learning: At the Opening Intensive and Virtual Workshops, participants learn from each other and hear different perspectives from arts leaders around the state.

Eligibility

Eligible organizations must:

• Be arts organizations based in New York State,
• Have 501(c)3 status,
• Be currently or previously funded directly by NYSCA (FY23-FY25), and
• Have an operating budget below $1.5 million -or- have a new Executive Director who joined the organization within the last 3 years.
• Rural and BIPOC-led community-based organizations are strongly encouraged to apply.