Applications are now open for the NYSCA/NYFA Community Arts Leaders Program. This professional development program offers expert perspectives to support growing arts organizations to establish sound strategy in key operational areas. Participants benefit from technical workshops, peer learning, and individualized consulting or coaching support over 6 months. Rather than focusing on specific administrative tools, the program identifies strategic best practices for each area of nonprofit management.

To deepen impact, two members – an Executive Director and Board Member – are accepted from each organization. The program kicks off with a virtual Orientation, followed by a two-day Intensive, a series of six virtual workshops, alumni mixer and 4 check-in conversations on various topics. Depending on location and date availability, participants choose which Intensive, offered in-person in NYC and virtually, to attend.

Organizations may also be offered up to five consulting hours to receive individualized support from a NYFA consultant or coach. Applicants’ consulting partnerships will be developed in response to the Scope of Work in their application, and budget and staff size, 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 their services will be rendered virtually. 

The program services will consist of the following key components:

• In-Person Intensive, Virtual Workshops and Check-In Conversations – Topics may include Organizational Values and Messaging, Impact Modeling, Strategic Leadership, Board Governance Strategy, Fundraising Strategy, Marketing Strategy, Capital Management Strategy, Advocacy Strategy, and Succession Planning Strategy.
• Consulting with Expert Professionals – Organizations will be asked to describe a significant barrier to their growth, and key deliverables or interventions they’ll pursue in partnership with a consultant. Consultants will be chosen based on the administrative or operational needs of the organization. Organizations with fewer than 3 staff will only be eligible to work with an Executive Coach.

Grant Timeline and Selection Process:

Applications open May 12 and close June 17 at 11:59pm ET. 

The selection process may include an interview of prospective participants in July. Notification to accepted applicants will be sent by mid-August.

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 participate fully in workshops and take on the additional consulting work while continuing their normal operations. 

Attendance by both organization representatives is mandatory for all program dates. Please note required program attendance listed below.

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 Arts Organizations in all arts disciplines in New York State
• Have previously applied and/or received a NYSCA grant in FY24-26, and
• Operating budget under $1.5 million -or- New Executive Director (FY23-FY25) who joined the organization within the last 3 years.
• Commitment to attending all meetings assigned by NYFA staff, consultants, and coaches

Community Arts Leaders 2026 Mandatory Program Dates

2026 Orientation Meeting – Tuesday, August 25, 10am-11:30am via Zoom

2026 Opening Intensives

Participants attend only one Opening Intensive, depending on their location.

• NYC (In-Person): Tue, Sept 8, 10am-4pm and Wed, Sept 9, 10am-4pm
• Virtual: Tue, Sept 15, 10am-4pm and Wed, Sept 16, 10am-4pm

* For participants who are over 50 miles outside of NYC and would like to attend the NYC In-person Intensive, we will provide a small stipend for travel expenses. 

2026 Virtual Workshops

• Tuesday, Sept 29, 10am-1pm
• Tuesday, Oct 13, 10am-1pm 
• Tuesday, Oct 27, 10am-1pm
• Tuesday, Nov 10, 10am-1pm 
• Tuesday, Nov 24, 10am-1pm 

Closing Meeting – Tuesday, Dec 8, 10-11:30am

Alumni Mixer (suggested, but optional) - Tuesday, Jan 26, 6-8:30pm

Check In Conversations (suggested, but optional) 

• Tuesday, Jan 12, 10am-11:30am
• Tuesday, Feb 2, 10am-11:30am
• Tuesday, Feb 9, 10am-11:30am
• Tuesday, Feb 23, 10am-11:30am

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

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

We ask that requests for accommodation be made by Monday, June 3, 2026 to allow adequate time for staff to support you in submitting an application before the deadline.