Arts and culture are essential to a just society

As a social impact organization, NEFA builds, sustains, and fights for arts and culture through grantmaking, partnerships, and advocacy in New England, the nation, and beyond.

Our Vision and Values

Grantmaking for art making. What will you create?

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Upcoming Grant Application Deadlines

NEFA offers grants to artists and organizations to support the creation and presentation of work. 

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New England States Touring (NEST) Grant

April 1
Funds nonprofit organizations to present touring artists in venues across New England.

New England Presenter Travel Fund

Rolling Deadline
Presenter Travel Fund enhances the performing arts in the region by supporting travel costs associated with researching artistic work that may eventually be presented in New England.

National Dance Project Travel Fund

Rolling Deadline
National Dance Project Travel Fund provides monetary assistance for U.S. based presenters, curatorial staff, and residency directors or for current NDP artist grantees to connect in person to explore feasibility of presenting NDP-funded projects.
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What's happening

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At night, a large circular light sits on beams. Below it, a deck with folks who loung on hammocks and sit beside each other.
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, & Accessibility
Public Art

Public Art Projects Affirm More Equitable Public Spaces Across Massachusetts

(Boston, MA) The New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA) is proud to announce the recipients of the Public Art for Spatial Justice (PASJ) grant. Totaling $460,000, these 16 grants support public art projects that create more just, vibrant, and welcoming public spaces across Massachusetts. NEFA’s
A yellow sticky note on a copy of the Background document. The sticky reads "This is great!"

A Brief Description and History

Enjoy this treasured archival document from July 1985! This document, with the full text included below, offers a vivid snapshot of NEFA’s early programs, leadership, and aspirations, and is an inspiring reminder of how far we have come and the enduring values that continue to guide our work. This
A collage of three silver gelatin printed black and white images. A trio of folks in spandex, puppet characters, and two Black actors in stage lighting.

NEFA Launches 50th Anniversary Celebration

(Boston, MA) — Today marks an extraordinary milestone. On February 25, 1976, the New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA) was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, beginning a journey that has helped shape the cultural life of New England and the nation. Fifty years later, we proudly celebrate a
A collage of fifteen headshots.
Dance

Meet the 2026 National Dance Project Advisor Cohort

The National Dance Project (NDP) Team is pleased to announce the 2026 NDP Production Grant Advisor Cohort. The NDP Production Grant is an annual funding opportunity that provides support for the creation/development and U.S. touring/sharing of new dance projects. NDP Grantees and Finalists are
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Fostering regional, national, and international connections

CreativeGround

CreativeGround spotlights the creative people and places at work in New England: cultural nonprofits like libraries and theaters, creative businesses like recording studios and design agencies, and artists of all disciplines such as performing arts, visual arts, and crafts.

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Center Stage

Center Stage is among the most successful programs to bring contemporary international performing artists into direct contact with people across a wide range of U.S. communities, and to share these experiences globally.

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