The funding criteria below relates only to the NEST roster artist for whom funding is being requested.
NEST grants are based on the following project criteria:
Include more than one activity; at least one public performance* is required
* A public performance means a performance that is open to the general public and advertised accordingly
Include artist residencies for a minimum of two days with at least one public performance and includes multiple types of activities such as workshops, lecture-demonstrations, and discussions that enhance understanding of the artist’s work.
Extend the arts to populations whose opportunities to experience the arts are limited by geography, ethnicity, economics, or disability.
Include activities which are cross-disciplinary, cross-cultural and/or cross-sector.
Present artist(s) with disabilities
Include a budget that reflects revenue from a variety of sources including businesses, corporations, civic organizations, private foundations, individuals and/or government agencies.
Include the commissioning and/or premiere of a work
Include a first-time presentation of the artist(s) for whom funding is being requested
Present a new art form or discipline for the community
NEST gives priority to organizations that:
Have a commitment to arts presenting which annually includes at least three performances by artists from outside the local community
Book an artist tour with at least two other presenting organizations
Show evidence of collaborative planning with other community organizations for increased and/or more diverse community participation
Award levels could be reduced for the following reasons:
Applications that do not include a project marketing plan. NEFA encourages presenters to engage in marketing efforts to reach the broadest audience possible.
The program is a repeat of a particular artist or ensemble within the past five years. NEFA encourages diverse program offerings.
Events/performances where no admission is charged (this does not include distribution of free or lower-priced tickets to the economically disadvantaged or other underserved populations). NEFA strongly encourages charging admission for the following reasons:
Admissions are a vital source of income to help pay artist fees and other event expenses.
Admissions remind audiences that the work of artists has face value and that the professionals involved, in order to continue, must make a living from their endeavors.
Admissions purchased through advance ticket sales help ensure attendance.
Please state in your narrative if your organization is not allowed to charge admission.
NEFA will not fund…
Activities and programs which take place exclusively in schools during class time
Events that are not open to the public and advertised accordingly
Fundraisers
Events outside of the six New England states
Performances primarily by students under 18 years old
These criteria are designed to encourage thorough planning and make an engagement as meaningful and successful as possible for both the artist and presenter. If you have questions regarding how your project meets the criteria please feel free to contact regionaltouring@nefa.org or call [617] 951-0010. We suggest that all first time applicants contact NEFA prior to applying.
