New York Grantmakers in the Arts (NYGIA) is a peer network of grantmakers who fund arts-related organizations and programming in the New York metro area. Operating autonomously from Philanthropy New York, NYGIA is a member-driven group that aims to provide information, resources, and networking opportunities for funders to invest strategically in growing and sustaining a strong, vibrant, and equitable cultural sector in New York City. In order to do this, NYGIA support their members by providing:
- Panel and roundtable discussions that explore special topics in the field and address timely and critical needs;
- Group trips to nonprofit arts organizations to foster collective learning among funders; and
- Other gatherings to encourage exchange, peer mentorship, and collaboration
NYGIA also has a listserv for its members and invites its members to use it as a tool to better communicate within its own membership and with other working groups.
Member criteria: For an organization to join NYGIA, it must meet two key criteria: 1) a majority (at least 50%) of its funding must be directed towards the arts, and 2) the organization must publicly self-identify as an arts funder. NYGIA values collaboration and broader engagement within the arts funding community and are always open to exploring opportunities to invite funders from outside NYGIA to specific sessions or discussions that are particularly relevant to collaborative initiatives or shared learning. NYGIA believes this approach allows for wider participation on specific topics without altering the core focus and membership criteria of NYGIA.
Currently, members are leading several ad hoc subcommittees to address common interests. Recent monthly call topics include arts and disability funding; AAPI funding trends in arts; and supporting NYC arts and culture reopening. Meeting invitations and call notes are available to listserv members. Please contact NYGIA co-chairs to inquire about joining the network:
- Marianna Schaffer, Board Chair, The Scherman Foundation (mariannaschaffer@gmail.com)
- Felix Endara, Senior Program Associate, Mesoamérica, Foundation for a Just Society (fendara@fjs.org)
