Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants

About the Open Call

The Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants program provides one-time grants of up to $5,000 for recent unexpected medical, dental, and mental health emergencies to artists in financial need who are creating in the visual arts, film/video/electronic/digital arts, and choreography. This program is made possible through the support of the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation, aiming to serve artists who may otherwise delay critical treatment or incur overwhelming debt. The grant is for emergencies occurring within approximately the last six months, with funds available for up to 12 months from the emergency date. Eligible expenses include provider bills, tests, therapies, prescription drugs, and emergency dental work. Ineligible expenses include non-emergency, ongoing, elective, or non-medical costs. Approximately $150,000 in total funding is distributed in each cycle.

What is Offered

One-time grants of up to $5,000 for recent unexpected medical, dental, and mental health emergencies. Total funding per cycle is approximately $150,000.

Requirements

Applicants must be a generative artist creating work in visual arts, film/video/digital/electronic arts (not a performer), or choreography. Must be 21 years or older, reside in the United States, the District of Columbia, a Tribal Nation, or a U.S. Territory, and be an artist in need, having an adjusted gross income of $80,000 or lower for an individual, or $160,000 for joint filers, averaged over the last two federal tax returns. Must not have received a Rauschenberg Medical or Dancer Emergency Grant within the last five years, nor be enrolled in any degree-seeking program. Applicants must demonstrate current and ongoing artistic activity for at least the last five years, since 2020, with multiple public opportunities annually. The medical emergency and treatment must occur in the U.S.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online via Submittable. First-time users need to register. Applicants must provide contact information, describe the emergency, request a grant amount (up to $5,000), list specific expenses, describe impact on creative practice and economic/medical severity, provide averaged adjusted gross income, complete checklists on resources and medical severity, and include valid documentation (invoices, provider documentation on letterhead) or estimates. A resume/bio/CV demonstrating recent and sustained artistic practice (at least the last five years since 2020, with multiple public-facing opportunities annually) in an eligible discipline is required. Applications must be in English and can be completed by a proxy. Assistance and accommodations can be requested by contacting emergencyfunds@nyfa.org or 212-366-6900 ext. 239. Registration is required for virtual information sessions.