Deadlines
NEST decisions are made on a quarterly basis. Organizations are required to submit their application a minimum of three months in advance of their project, but are encouraged to submit their applications early within NEFA's fiscal year (which runs from June 1 through May 31).
Online applications must be submitted by midnight on the deadline date. NEFA staff is available for assistance Monday-Friday, 9AM-5PM EST.
NEST Grant Application Deadlines
| First business day of... |
For Projects beginning on or after... |
| March |
June 1st |
| June |
September 1st |
| September |
December 1st |
| December |
March 1st |
Access Your Grant Form
Follow the instructions below to start or return to your online grant form.
- New to NEFA's online granting? Before you start, you must visit the Online Grant Process page to create a CultureCount user account.
- Click on the orange button below to access any active NEFA application and evaluation forms.
- Sign in with your CultureCount username and password.
- Confirm that the applicant is listed with your username.*
* If the applicant is incorrect or not listed, see FAQ #1 on the Online Grant Process page.
- Select the NEFA grant form to begin.
ACCESS YOUR ONLINE GRANT FORM
Need help? Can't apply online? Refer to the FAQs on NEFA's Online Grant Process page or contact Erin Johnstone.
PDF Grant Forms & Instructions for Grant Recipients*
* For notified NEST grantees only. If you have been awarded a grant from NEST, you must submit an evaluation packet, due within one month of engagement dates, before payment is released.
NEST Instructions for Requesting Payment
NEST Evaluation
* All PDF downloads require Adobe Reader software. If you have trouble downloading or typing into grant forms, please contact NEFA.