This national program provides one-time grants of up to $5,000 for recent unexpected medical, dental, and mental health emergencies to artists in financial need who are creating in the visual arts, film/video/electronic/digital arts, and choreography and live in the United States, the District of Columbia, a Tribal Nation, or a U.S. Territory.

In Cycle 16, funds may be requested for emergencies occurring April 1, 2022 and later. Grants may be requested for expenses already paid, pending, or for treatment the artist is putting off due to lack of funds.