Well Being in the Arts National Art Partners (NAP) Fund
The Center for Arts in Medicine is a national nonprofit dedicated to advancing the integration of arts, health, and well-being through research, education, grantmaking, and cross-sector partnerships. The organization supports artists, arts organizations, healthcare systems, researchers, and community partners working to improve health outcomes through creative practice.
Deadline to Apply | June 29th, 2026
- *****APPLICATION DEADLINE: June 29, 2026 (11:59 p.m. ET)*******
Well-Being in the Arts National Art Partners (NAP) Fund
The Well-Being in the Arts National Art Partners (NAP) Fund is one of the most directly relevant funding opportunities for NeuroArts projects. Created through the Advancing Well-Being in the Arts Initiative, the fund supports arts organizations that prioritize the health and well-being of artists and arts workers while strengthening equitable, healthy creative ecosystems. Although the program is not designed specifically for neuroscience research, it is highly aligned with NeuroArts because it supports initiatives that connect creative practice with mental health, resilience, wellness, and community well-being.
Who Can Apply?
- U.S.-based nonprofit arts organizations
- Organizations serving artists and creative workers
- National arts service organizations
- Eligible organizations working with one or more National Art Partners (NAPs)
Funding Amount
- Funds support organizational projects that improve artist well-being and build healthier arts communities.
- Grant amounts will range from $5,000 to $40,000. Please note that your organization’s budget will affect the amount of funding you are eligible to receive.
NeuroArts Relevance
Projects may include:
- Arts and mental health initiatives
- Artist wellness and resilience programs
- Trauma-informed arts programming
- Community healing through the arts
- Burnout prevention and workforce well-being
- Creative aging and social connection
- Research or evaluation of arts and health practices
- Professional development centered on artist health and well-being
Previous Awards & Supported Projects
Previous Well-Being in the Arts Initiative funding has supported organizations developing:
- Artist wellness programs
- Mental health resources for creative workers
- Community-based arts and health partnerships
- Professional learning around artist well-being
- Organizational capacity to sustain healthy creative workplaces
The initiative is part of the broader Advancing Well-Being in the Arts Initiative, supported by the Wallace Foundation, which invests in strengthening the health and sustainability of the arts sector.
2026 Funding Cycle
- Application Opens: Spring 2026
- Application Deadline: June 29, 2026 (11:59 p.m. ET)
- Award Notification: Mid-September 2026
- Grant Period: October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be an eligible nonprofit arts organization.
- Demonstrate a commitment to improving artist well-being.
- Propose projects that advance healthier arts organizations or creative communities.
- Meet all National Art Partners Fund eligibility requirements.
Application Process
Applicants complete an online application describing:
- The proposed project
- Organizational capacity
- Expected impact on artist well-being
- Budget and implementation plan
Applications are reviewed competitively based on project quality, feasibility, organizational readiness, and alignment with the initiative's goals.
- Check your eligibility:Organizations must have an annual operating budget greater than $25,000 and less than $500,000 (based on the average of the last three fiscal years or current budget, current budget, or last year's budget).Organization must have a valid 501(c)(3) status or be fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3); must be an arts and culture nonprofit based in the United States.Preference is given to organizations that reflect that reflect the Arab American or broader immigrant experience.Please note: We do not fund individuals, religious organizations, political organizations, school groups/programs at universities, or international organizations.
- Organizations must have an annual operating budget greater than $25,000 and less than $500,000 (based on the average of the last three fiscal years or current budget, current budget, or last year's budget).
- Organization must have a valid 501(c)(3) status or be fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3); must be an arts and culture nonprofit based in the United States.
- Preference is given to organizations that reflect that reflect the Arab American or broader immigrant experience.
- Please note: We do not fund individuals, religious organizations, political organizations, school groups/programs at universities, or international organizations.
- Prepare your budget: Your organization’s operating budget will be reviewed alongside your grant application. Here is an example of a budget.
- Reflect on your reality: The application will ask you questions about who you are, what you do and your current organizational joys and challenges. We encourage you to be honest and upfront!
- Right-size your request: Grant award amounts are scaled to an organization’s size and operating capacity. Smaller organizations typically receive smaller awards, while larger organizations may be considered for larger amounts. Your grant request should not exceed 15% of your operating budget, up to $40,000.
Why It Is Relevant to NeuroArts
This is one of the strongest arts-and-health funding opportunities currently available because its central mission is improving health and well-being through the arts. While it does not specifically fund neuroscience research, it strongly aligns with NeuroArts projects involving creative aging, arts-based mental health interventions, social prescribing, artist wellness, community resilience, and research evaluating the impact of the arts on health and quality of life.
About this Initiative
The Arab American National Museum (AANM), the Center for Arab American Philanthropy (CAAP), and the National Network for Arab American Communities (NNAAC), all national institutions of ACCESS, are working to direct funding to arts and culture organizations that reflect the Arab American or broader immigrant experience.
AANM, CAAP, and NNAAC are part of a coalition hosted by The Wallace Foundation’s Advancing Well-Being in the Arts Initiative, which brings together 12 cultural organizations nationwide to design and facilitate a regranting program that provides funding to smaller arts organizations across the country.
Through this initiative, in 2025, AANM, CAAP, and NNAAC, in partnership with Wallace, awarded $493,500 in general operating support grants to 30 organizations.
