Since its inception in 1963, the mission of the Foundation for Contemporary Arts has been to encourage, sponsor, and promote innovative work in the arts created and presented by individuals, groups, and organizations.

Created in 1993, the foundation’s Emergency Grants program provides grants of up to $2,500 to innovative visual and performing artists who have unanticipated, sudden opportunities to present their work to the public when there is insufficient time to seek other sources of funding; or incur unexpected or unbudgeted expenses for projects close to completion with committed exhibition or performance dates.

To be eligible, applicants must be living, working, and paying taxes in the United States; have committed performance or exhibition opportunities and be able to provide specific dates at the time of application; and be an individual artist or an individual representing an artist collective, ensemble, or group. Curators, producers, workshop organizers, organizations, or arts presenters are not eligible to apply.

Applications are reviewed monthly by a volunteer committee of established artists. FCA recommends applying within six to eight weeks of the performance or exhibition date.

See the FCA website for complete program guidelines, an FAQ, and application procedures.