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. We serve approximately 1M constituents in person and online, annually, through four flagship programs: Learning, Awards & Grants, Fiscal Sponsorship, and Online Resources.
$84M
Distributed through 17 distinct grant programs to over 13,000 artists.
1M
Users accessed NYFA’s Online Resources, including NYFA Classifieds, Blog, Directory page, and all website pages.
$9M
Money raised in support of all projects and organizations within NYFA’s Fiscal Sponsorship FY25 program.
7.2K
Individual artists and cultural workers and 95+ organizations— directly served through in-person and online Professional Development in FY25.
What NYFA Provides
“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
Recognition
2025 Manhattan Magazine’s Philanthropy Award
2024 New York City Imagine Awards - Arts & Culture Finalist
2023 NYFA’s Immigrant Artist Mentoring Program Named "One of the Top 10 Best Mentorship Programs in the U.S for Post Grads" by Time Out magazine
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.
Financial Statements
Download most recent and previous audited financial statements. Printed Copies can be obtained by contacting the Development Office at 212-366-6900.