New England Foundation for the Arts

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

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Unveiling NEFA's 2025-2030 Strategic Plan

A Mission Forged in Collaboration is a landmark framework that reaffirms NEFA’s identity as a social impact organization and sets forth a bold agenda for the future of the cultural sector. The plan arrives as NEFA prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026, offering both a moment of reflection and a call to action for the decades ahead.

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Grantmaking for art making. What will you create?

Upcoming Grant Application Deadlines

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

NEFA will be closed November 27-29. New England States Touring (NEST) and Public Art for Spatial Justice applicants are encouraged to reach out before NEFA closes at 5:00 PM ET on Wednesday, November 26 with any questions or support requests. NEFA will also be closed December 22-January 2 for winter break. Thank you for your patience at this time.

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New England States Touring (NEST) Grant

December 1

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

Public Art for Spatial Justice

December 2

Supports public art that creatively expresses and embodies a more just version of what’s possible in public.

Crossroads: Touring New England

March 2

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

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On a stage, a white woman, with a brown bob, holds a microphone. She sits between three other folks who are also seated in the spotlights.

Advocacy

Professional Development

Advocacy 101: Power in the Collective

NEFA has a long history of providing cultural organizations with data-driven research to be used for advocacy. Recently, we’ve increased our focus on cultural policy through building relationships with regional and national advocates, connecting with legislators, and partnering on related

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Performing Arts

New England States Touring (NEST 1 and 2) Grant Webinar

Watch this webinar to learn more about the New England States Touring (NEST 1 and 2) Grant in advance of the deadline on December 1, 2025 (for projects beginning February 15, 2026 or later), and April 1, 2026 (for projects beginning July 1, 2026 or later). NEST 3 is now Crossroads: Touring New

crytsal explains the dream portal installation to a young woman. She gestures with her hands and stands in front of colorful posters for the event.

Public Art

Public Art Can Manifest More Equitable and Vibrant Possibilities

At NEFA, we believe in the arts as a powerful tool for positive change and that public art has the power to shift public culture and change the future. In this complicated moment in history, I am grateful for artists like crystal bi and Dzidzor who remind us of whose shoulders we rest on, while also

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Advocacy

NEFA Unveils Bold 2025–2030 Strategic Plan as a Social Impact Organization, Leading into 50th Anniversary

(Boston, MA) — The New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA) has released its 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, A Mission Forged in Collaboration, a landmark framework that reaffirms NEFA’s identity as a social impact organization and sets forth a bold agenda for the future of the cultural sector. The plan