Applying for New Funding

Our Vision

We envision a thriving and equitable performing arts ecosystem for the city of New York, with reliable and ample philanthropic support. 

We envision a city where all performance traditions, disciplines, and conversations are cultivated, cared for, and revered.   

We envision a landscape where everyone can access and afford this vibrant ecosystem, and where arts organizations connect deeply and authentically with community. 

Our Mission

Howard Gilman believed in the power of the arts to transform lives. In honoring his legacy, the Foundation provides funding and support to New York City-based performing arts organizations that are reflective of our City’s vibrant cultural community. 

How We Do It

The Howard Gilman Foundation builds long-term partnerships with performing arts organizations. We primarily invest in organizations’ overall mission and fiscal health by providing general operating support grants. Each year, we add a small number of new organizations to our roster of annual grantees based on their fit within our vision, mission, and current priorities. 

By performing arts organizations, we mean:

  • Generative performing arts companies, such as dance companies, music ensembles, theater companies, and multidisciplinary performance groups
  • Performing arts presenters and venues
  • Service organizations that support the sector, including those focused on residencies, artistic development, advocacy, and administrative and fiscal health

Eligibility Requirements: 

  • Organizations must be a 501(c)(3) or be fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3). 
  • 501(c)(3)s must be incorporated in New York State and based in New York City. 
  • Fiscally sponsored organizations must be based in New York City, but fiscal sponsor can be incorporated elsewhere. 
  • Organizations must have three years of operating budgets (both revenue and expenses) that are over $250,000.  Which three years will depend on your organization’s fiscal year end date. Please see the Interest Form for specific details.
  • Organizations must be able to provide an audit, a CPA’s review report, and/or 990 tax form.  
  • Organizations must not be current recipients of any Gilman-funded regranting programs.  

 

At this time, we are not adding the following to our roster:

  • Visual arts museums or galleries 
  • Botanical gardens, community gardens, parks, or zoos  
  • Tuition-based schools or pre-professional training programs 
  • In-school or after-school arts education programs
  • Productions or projects by youth or teens 
  • Organizations focused on literary arts or film/television 
  • Social service organizations or programming in hospitals, senior centers, prisons, and shelters 

Our Current Priorities

While all performing arts organizations will be considered for funding, the Foundation is particularly interested in organizations that are:  

  • Organizations of color, and/or 
  • Organizations that are in neighborhoods or areas of New York City where Gilman’s dollars are not yet robust. Some examples include Staten Island, the Bronx, Eastern/Southern Brooklyn, and Queens. 

The Funding Process

Interest Form

This is a short form designed to assess an organization’s fit within Gilman’s vision, mission, priorities and current roster of grantees. This form helps Gilman staff determine which organizations will advance to the Full Review stage.

The Foundation now accepts Interest Forms once per calendar year from organizations seeking new funding. See below for this year’s Interest Form deadlines.

A PDF version of the Interest Form can be found here.

This looks different than I remember… 

You’re right! Gilman has changed its process for applying for new funding. We wanted to create a shorter and less labor-intensive Interest Form as a first step in the funding review process. If you have questions about this new process, please feel free to reach out. 

Email Grants Team

Full Review

A small number of organizations will be advanced to the Full Review stage. This stage includes a lengthier written application, the submission of budgets and financial statements, a proposal meeting with a Program Officer, and a performance review. Organizations advancing to this stage will be notified accordingly. See below for all dates and deadlines.

A PDF version of the Application for advancing organizations can be found here.

2025 Dates & Deadlines

April 1 – May 21: Interest Forms Submitted

June 20: Notification of Advance/Decline Status

July 30: Applications for Advancing Organizations Due

August – October: Proposal Meetings & Grant Review

December: Notification of Awards

How to Get Started

  1. Register and create an account in our portal. First, you’ll need to create an account for your organization in our grants portal (if you already have an account, you can skip this step). Your registration will be processed within two business days. Once you’ve been notified that your registration has been processed, you can log in, fill out your organizational profile, and add additional key contacts. Here is a step-by-step guide. 
  2. Fill out and submit your Interest Form. You can submit your Interest Form anytime during the date range listed above. Gilman staff will read and discuss all submitted Interest Forms and notify you of outcomes. 

Want to get a head start?

You don’t have to wait for the Interest Form to come online to check out the questions. Click the button below for a preview of what this form will entail.

Interest Form Preview

Don’t meet our eligibility requirements at this time?

Visit our Regranting Page to learn more about opportunities that may be better suited to your organization!