NEST Grant Changes: What You Need to Know

Throughout the past 15 months, we have taken a critical look at how the New England States Touring (NEST) grant can best serve the field during the pandemic. NEST funds performances, readings, and screenings of work by regional, national, and international artists presented by New England-based nonprofit organizations.

We have modified deadlines, supported virtual events, and made temporary adjustments. The next cycle of NEST grants is no exception, and we want to highlight the changes that we feel can best respond to the current state of arts presenting.

NEST typically has three grant deadlines per year (August, December, and March) with three distinct opportunities:

• NEST 1: Funds the public presentation and engagement of a New England artist presented by a New England nonprofit organization.
• NEST 2: Funds tours of New England-based artists where one presenting organization is based inside of the artist’s home state and one other organization is from outside of the artist’s home state.
• NEST 3: Funds the presentation of regional, national, or international touring artists. A minimum of three presenting organizations in different communities must be involved, and the organizations applying must be from at least two different New England states.

The key highlights regarding NEST support for NEFA’s FY22 (June ’21-May ’22) grantmaking are:

• NEST 1 will only have deadlines in August 2021 and March 2022. 
• There will not be a NEST 2 deadline in August or December 2021.
• For the August 2021 grant cycle, NEST grants may support:
  • Online performances and community engagement activities
  • Engagements with artists residing in the same New England state as the applicant organization. 
• NEST 3 will continue to have a single deadline in March

View the directory of projects funded by NEST.

CreativeGround houses the directory of all artists (NEST artists) who may be chosen by NEST applicants for funding. Learn more about NEST artists – and how to become a NEST artist - on the NEST program page.

We encourage potential applicants to review guidelines and eligibility carefully before applying; applicants are also highly encouraged to reach out to NEFA staff to confirm that their project fits the program. Please reach out to:

• Daniela Jacobson (she/her/hers), Program Manager, New England Presenting & Touring, 617-865-1825
• Falyn Rose Elhard (they/them/theirs), Program Coordinator, New England Presenting & Touring, 617-865-1829