Organizer Information:

The Anonymous Was A Woman Environmental Art Grants (AWAW EAG) program is administered by the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA). The program reflects AWAW’s core value of supporting artists who have been impacted by gender inequity.

Title & Description:

Applications will open in February for the 2026 AWAW EAG cycle.

This program supports environmental art projects that inspire thought, action, and ethical engagement. Projects should aim to tackle an environmental issue at some scale, illustrating a thorough consideration of ecological and social ethics (e.g., decarbonization, ecofeminism, systems-restoration, or interspecies relationships).

Important Note: The AWAW EAG seeks to advance existing projects. The proposed project must already be in development (new projects are not eligible) and must feature a public engagement component that is free to attend.

Category:

Environmental & Multidisciplinary Art.

(Open to all artistic disciplines, provided the project focuses on environmental issues).

Eligibility:

  • Who: Individual artists who identify as a woman, transgender, and/or gender-nonconforming. (Collaborative projects are welcome, but one eligible individual must serve as the lead applicant).
  • Age & Residency: Must be 18 years or older and reside in one of the 50 US states, a Tribal Nation, a U.S. Territory, or the District of Columbia. (Note: The project itself can take place anywhere in the world).
  • Exclusions: Applicants cannot be enrolled in a degree-seeking program during the grant term (Aug 2026 - Aug 2027). Organizations cannot apply.

Program Benefits & Awards:

  • Grant Amount: Up to $20,000 USD per project.
  • Total Distribution: The program will distribute over $470,000 in funding for the 2026 cycle.

Application Fee:

Free.

Application Requirements:

Applications must be submitted in English via Submittable and include:

  1. Project Information: Synopsis, detailed timeline, public engagement plans, and a description of the intended environmental/social impact.
  2. Milestones: An outline of the key milestones the project has already reached in its development.
  3. Project Budget: Detail of costs and total grant request.
  4. Work Samples: Up to 6 total samples. At least one sample must be an in-progress work from the proposed project.
  5. Supplemental (Optional): Bios/Resumes and letters of commitment/permits.

How to Apply?

Register and apply through the official NYFA Submittable portal.

Key Dates:

  • Applications Open: February 10, 2026 (10:00 AM ET).
  • Application Deadline: April 7, 2026 (5:00 PM ET).
  • Notifications: August 2026.
  • Grant Term / Public Engagement Window: August 2026 – August 2027.

Location:

United States / U.S. Territories.

Contact Information:

Email: awaw@nyfa.org

Website: AWAW EAG via NYFA