About NYFA

We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit service organization that offers in-person and virtual arts programs, services, and opportunities, tailored to the needs of our creative community.

Image Credit: Khalif Tahir Thompson

Our Mission

Established in 1971, the mission of the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) is to empower artists in all disciplines, as well as cultural workers, to achieve success on their own terms by providing critical support, resources, and opportunities. NYFA envisions a world where artists thrive in the practice and expression of their creative work, a world that celebrates and supports them. Our work centers on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility, which is served through four flagship programs: Learning, Awards & Grants, Fiscal Sponsorship, and Online Resources. We serve approximately 1M constituents in person and online, annually.

$55M

Distributed through 12 distinct grant programs to nearly 1,000 artists.

1M Users

Users Accessed NYFA’s Online Resources, including NYFA Classifieds, Blog, Directory page, and all website pages.

$4.5M

Money raised in support of all projects and organizations within NYFA’s Fiscal Sponsorship program.

13.4K People

Accessed content from online workshops published on NYFA’s blog and newsletter.

What We Do

“When an artist thinks of NYFA, if they think wow, that’s a place that really understands me, that really supports me, that really knows who I am, then I think we’ve done our job.”

Michael Royce Chief Executive Officer, NYFA

Equity and Inclusion at NYFA

NYFA has a strong and long-standing commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). As an organization, we consciously and with purpose identify organizational structures that need to be addressed to promote equity in our infrastructure and programming. Notable programs that underscore NYFA's work towards equitable cultural representation include the Immigrant Artist Mentoring Program, the Incubator for Executive Leaders of Color Program, and the NYSCA Stabilization Program for Small Arts Organizations.

NYFA ARCHIVE

NYFA is pleased to announce that an archive chronicling its nearly 50-year history has been created with funding from The O’Grady Foundation. The collection is housed at NYU’s Fales Library, which comprises more than 11,000 linear feet of archives and special collections including the Downtown New York Collection, of which the NYFA archive is a part. Those interested in learning more about and accessing the NYFA Archive at NYU’s Fales Library may do so via this finding aid. Scholars can request an appointment to view the collection here.

Annual Report

Our annual reports provide a window into the work done within the fiscal year. Hard copies may be requested by e-mail.

Download the most recent report (PDF)

Financial Statements

Download most recent and previous audited financial statements. Printed Copies can be obtained by contacting the Development Office at 212-366-6900.