Kenneth Rainin Foundation
The NEW Program supports small and mid-size dance, theater and multidisciplinary arts organizations with grants of $5,000-$30,000 to enable Bay Area artists to produce visionary projects relevant to the communities they serve. Since 2015, this program has awarded over $6 million to 204 arts organizations.
The NEW Program prioritizes:
Small and mid-size arts organizations with annual budgets of $10,000-$2 million.
Projects that support artists to deepen or experiment within their individual practice and/or expand the boundaries of dance and theater.
Compelling projects relevant to the communities they serve.
Unique artistic collaborations.
Projects that compensate artists at a significant level.
Productions in outdoor, site-specific or alternative venues.
Projects with activities in San Francisco and Oakland.
ELIGIBILTY:
Tax status: Nonprofit organizations or 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsors (requires a written agreement).
Geography: Organizations must be based in and/or have a demonstrated history of operating in Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo or Santa Clara counties. The Foundation prioritizes support for projects that take place in San Francisco and Oakland. See frequently asked questions for more.
Artist residency: The majority of artists supported by the project must be based in and/or have a demonstrated history of producing and working in in Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo or Santa Clara counties. However, artists supported through the grant are not required to reside in one of the eligible Bay Area counties.
Annual budget: Organizations must have at least a $10,000 annual budget for their last closed fiscal year.
For applicants that don’t meet minimum budget requirement: If your last closed fiscal year budget does not meet this requirement, but you have had an annual budget of at least $10,000 within the last three years, please submit that prior year budget with your application.
For current and previous Foundation grantees:
If you received a NEW Program grant in 2025, you are not eligible for funding in the 2026 cycle.
If you received a NEW Program grant in 2024 and have completed the project and submitted your grant report by the application deadline, you are eligible to apply.
Current Open Spaces Program grantees who are interested in applying should contact Arts Program Staff.
DEADLINE: March 24th, 2026
