On the side of a large container on the back of a dump truck, a mural of kids watering plants. Monarch butterflies flutter. It reads behind them, "Belchertown," over a shade of blue found in the sky above.
Above:

Making It Public participant Belchertown, MA | mural by Melissa Pandina, photo by Lisa Stahl

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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Crossroads: Touring New England

March 2
Supports tours by regional, national, and international artists to multiple organizations across New England

National Dance Project Production Grant

March 16
NDP Production Grants fund the creation and U.S. touring of new dance projects annually.

New England States Touring (NEST) Grant

April 1
Funds nonprofit organizations to present touring artists in venues across New England.
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What's happening

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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 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 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 document is a part of our ongoing
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
A pile of "Vote" pins in red and blue. One pin says "your vote matters."
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, & Accessibility

2026 Election Dates & Resources

Special elections are upon us, and the Primary and Midterm elections are not far behind. While the general election will take place on November 3, 2026, each state has unique special election and primary dates with corresponding registration deadlines. Click on the New England state below to learn
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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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