Applications are now open for the new pilot NYSCA Stabilization Program for Small Arts Organizations that is designed to help participants to identify and solve a significant concern that is impeding their growth or development. It aims to help address operational issues that often stifle organizations’ long-term planning and sustainability. The program, generously supported by New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), provides organizations with a comprehensive organizational assessment,  individualized consulting support to implement best practices, and coaching for Executive Leadership to  meet holistic organizational goals.

NYFA will serve organizations located in Mid-Hudson, Long Island, Capital Region, Mohawk, and North Country. A sister program, administered by the New York Council of Nonprofits (NYCON), will be available to organizations based in Central, Western, and the Southern Tier of New York State.

Applicants’ individual consultancy will be developed in response to the the Scope of Work in their application and Organizational Assessment if they are accepted. Consultants and coaches may address any administrative or operational issue facing eligible organizations. They cannot offer artistic or curatorial advice, and in most cases their services will be rendered virtually. Significant progress should be attainable within the suggested time frame of 3-8 months.

The program services will consist of the following key components:

• Organizational Assessment – To assist in identifying and prioritizing potential areas of growth, accepted organizations will participate in a comprehensive organizational assessment guided by NYFA. This is intended to provide the organization with additional detail for their consultancy, and reveal strengths, as well as activities to boost their sustainability post-consultancy.
• Consulting with Expert Professionals – Organizations' Scope of Work should describe a significant barrier to their growth, and key deliverables or interventions they’ll pursue in partnership with a consultant. Organizations will assign a staff liaison to be the point person responsible for the execution and implementation of key tasks or policies. Consultants will be chosen based on the administrative or operational needs of the organization. Priority will be given to BIPOC consultants or consultants with whom the organization has worked in the past.
• Coaching for Executive Leadership (NYFA grantees only) – The Executive Leader will receive weekly one-on-one Executive coaching sessions to support the continued growth of their leadership team. By focusing on leadership capacity alongside operational needs, the organization will experience more integrative support, creating a platform to meet holistic organizational goals.
   

Grant Timeline and Selection Process:

Two rounds of grantees will be selected in December 2023 and February 2024 to receive services as early as January and March 2024, respectively. NYFA will host two Informational Webinars in November 2023 for prospective applicants.

• October 17, 2023: Announcement and Applications open
• Wednesday, November 1, 1:00 PM ET: Informational Webinar, Register here
• Thursday, November 16, 2023, 5:00 PM ET: Round 1 Application Deadline
• Wednesday, November 29, 1:00 PM ET: Informational Webinar, Register here
• December 2023: Round 1 Intake/Selection Process
• January-August 2024: Round 1 Consulting/Coaching Delivered (3-8 month projects)
• Thursday, February 1, 2024, 5:00 PM ET: Round 2 Application Deadline
• February 2024: Round 2 Intake/Selection Process
• March-August 2024: Round 2 Consulting/Coaching Delivered (3-6 month projects)
• June-August 2024: Final Reporting

Applications will be assessed on how well an applicant’s desired outcomes align with the goals of the program, the feasibility of having a meaningful impact during the duration of the consultancy, and demonstrated capacity by organizations to take on the additional consulting work and while continuing their normal operations.

BIPOC-led, Community-based, and Rural organizations are strongly encouraged to apply.

• BIPOC is an acronym for Black, Indigenous, and People of color.
• We define “Community-based” as: Non-profit, non-governmental, or charitable organizations that represent community needs and work to help them. CBOs may be associated with a particular area of concern or segment of the community.
• Rural communities are defined as having populations of less than 30,000 and not being part of an urban or suburban cluster.
   

Eligibility

• 501(c)3 or Fiscally Sponsored Arts Organizations in all arts disciplines
• Operating budget under $1 Million
• Located Outside New York City
• Current and former NYSCA grantees and non-NYSCA funded organizations
• Commitment to attending all meetings assigned by NYFA/NYCON staff, consultants, and coaches.
• Board sign-off and Board Chair attendance at initial onboarding meetings.

You will be prompted to complete an eligibility form below before being able to access the full application.
 

Scope of Work Criteria:

• Consultants and coaches may address any administrative or operational issue facing your organization. They cannot offer artistic or curatorial advice and in most cases, their services will be rendered virtually.
• Significant progress should be attainable within the suggested timeframe of 3-8months and fall between January-August 2024.

Direct Support: Requests may include the purchase of a particular software or equipment, professional development program, etc. represented by up to $10,000 of direct support provided in addition to the consulting and coaching services. This direct support cannot be the central solution to the issue described.
 

For questions, or to request an accommodation or assistance in applying, please email Learning@nyfa.org and include "Stabilization" in the subject line.

We ask that requests for accommodation be made by Friday, November 3, 2023 to allow adequate time for staff to support you in submitting an application before the deadline.