To be eligible for NEST funding, applicants must:
- Be a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, school, federally-recognized Indian tribal government, or unit of state or local government. (Nonprofit organizations do not have to be arts organizations. Organizations that do not have a federal tax identification number may apply if part of an official government agency.)
- Be based in New England (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont)
- The federal government now requires that all NEFA organizational grant recipients supported by federal funds register for DUNS numbers. If you are unsure if the applicant has a DUNS number or to sign up to receive a DUNS number, go to: http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform.
- Applicants must be able to provide documentation of their compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). Please visit our Arts & Accessibility page for details.
- Maintain an updated profile in the CreativeGround directory for their cultural nonprofit.
See NEST Presenter Profile Recommendations for instructions
If the applicant nonprofit is not a cultural or arts-based organization, please contact Falyn Elhard (they/them/theirs) to confirm your organization’s qualification for a CreativeGround profile.
A presenter may apply for an artist within their state if all of the following requirements are met:
- They have booked the artist as part of a New England tour with at least two other presenters.
- At least two other presenters on the tour are from outside of the artist’s home state.
- All presenters are applying to the same NEST deadline.
NEST 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 in which the performers are primarily students.
Online applications must be submitted before midnight on the deadline date. Applications must be submitted a minimum of three months in advance of the proposed project. NEST grant recipients will be notified six-eight weeks following the deadline. A finite amount of funds is allocated each year; organizations are encouraged to submit applications early within NEFA’s fiscal year (June 1 through May 31).
Online reports must be submitted within 40 days from the end of the artist engagement to receive reimbursement. Full instructions are in the Requirements & Reports for Grant Recipients section.
NEFA staff is available for assistance Monday-Friday, 9AM-5PM EST.
Deadlines
NEST deadlines occur three times a year, or every four months, as follows:
- First business day of August, for projects beginning on or after November 1
- First business day of December, for projects beginning on or after March 1
- First business day of April, for projects beginning on or after July 1