Since 1996, the National Dance Project (NDP) has provided a system of support for the living, growing discipline of contemporary dance by supporting the creation (production) and engagement (touring) of dance in the United States and beyond. NDP views touring as central to the vitality of dance as an art form and structures its granting process to link the creation and distribution of new work. Through the dedicated efforts of dance presenters across the country, NDP helps audiences connect with the rich and varied talents of choreographers and their companies.

NDP recognizes that new models of touring and distribution of work are evolving and has built flexibility into funding allocations to allow for deeper engagements with communities while encouraging new practices.

This program is overseen by performing arts presenter Hub Site representatives and advised by dance field leaders, or Advisors.

NDP supports artists and makes connections through:

• Grant support through two types of funding: Production grants and Touring grants (including Tour Only grants)
• International partnerships
• The Regional Dance Development Initiative (RDDI), Contemporary Art Centers (CAC) network, and the Center for Creative Research (CCR)

	The Doris Duke Charitable Foundation is the lead funder of the National Dance Project. The mission of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation is to improve the quality of people's lives through grants supporting the performing arts, environmental conservation, medical research and the prevention of child maltreatment, and through preservation of the cultural and environmental legacy of Doris Duke's properties. To learn more about the foundation’s support for the performing arts, visit www.ddcf.org/arts.
	The National Dance Project is sponsored by a grant from the Ford Foundation, an independent, nonprofit grant-making organization. For more than half a century it has worked with courageous people on the frontlines of social change worldwide, guided by its mission to strengthen democratic values, reduce poverty and injustice, promote international cooperation, and advance human achievement. With headquarters in New York, the foundation has offices in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
	The MetLife Foundation is dedicated to strengthening communities throughout the U.S. by supporting health, educational, cultural, and civic organizations and programs. Since 2007, the MetLife Foundation has partnered with NEFA as the lead corporate sponsor of the National Dance Project. MetLife Community Connections connects world-class dance artists and the public through community engagement activities.
	The Mellon Foundation’s Performing Arts program provides funding on an invitation-only basis to leading US orchestras, theater companies, opera companies, modern dance companies, dance-specific presenters, and a limited number of research and service organizations. The Foundation seeks to support institutions that contribute to the preservation and development of their art form, provide creative leadership in addressing issues unique to the field, and present the highest level of institutional performance.