2026 Independent Projects Grants

The Independent Projects grant program is a partnership between the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) and The Architectural League of New York, awarding grants for New York State-based individuals and teams to explore a design topic through creation or research.

Jointly administered with the League since 2022, Independent Projects is NYSCA’s artist support program for design fields, including architecture, landscape architecture, historic preservation, biodesign, community-centered design, fashion, graphic, industrial, and interior design. The League will directly receive all applications and, together with NYSCA, will convene a panel of experts in design who will evaluate submissions and select projects for funding.

In the 2026 cycle, Independent Projects will award 25 grants of $10,000 for New York State-based individuals or teams of individuals in design fields whose work seeks to answer the question: Where can design go next?

Program goals

For many years, both NYSCA and the League have supported diverse and creative explorations in design. Recognizing design as an art form that can enhance our quality of life, Independent Projects seeks proposals that emphasize artistry, that advance a design discipline, and that may contribute to a broader understanding of design. Imperatively, design must be at the core of any proposal, and the outcome must be accessible to the public. Projects might create a design prototype, develop new strategies of community-based design, research a topic in design history, or engage in critical or theoretical analysis, to name just some of the many possible approaches.

Requirements

Eligibility and funding restrictions

The Independent Projects program is open only to individuals and teams based in New York State. This program does not provide grants to organizations, institutions, or work practices. Applicants must be active in the design fields, and the proposed work must be truly independent and individually driven. Work related to a course curriculum or degree program, work performed in an institutional capacity, commissioned work for a client, recreational activities, and out-of-state travel expenses are not eligible for funding. Individuals employed by NYSCA or The Architectural League within the past 2 years are not eligible. Individuals who are currently part of an in-progress Independent Projects grant from a previous cycle will not be considered for funding in 2026. Full eligibility requirements and funding restrictions can be found in the 2026 Program Guidelines.

Proposals must emphasize design and the ways that the creative process can make an impact on the topic or problem the applicant seeks to explore. Award funds may be used to compensate the artist’s or team’s time spent on project activities, as well as related project expenses, consumable materials, and travel expenses within New York State only. Projects may seek additional funding from other sources as long as project eligibility is maintained. This is a competitive grant program and not all proposals will receive funding. Each successful proposal will be awarded $10,000.

Proof of New York State residency

Each applicant, and all team members, must have their primary residence within New York State at the time of submission and throughout the award period, if their proposal is selected for funding. Failure to adhere to this requirement will result in forfeiture of grant funds. Applicants whose proposals are selected for funding will be required to present two matching documents verifying New York State residency. The League and NYSCA reserve the right to request additional documentation, if deemed necessary. A full list of acceptable documents can be found in the 2026 Program Guidelines.

Application Instructions

Please visit this page for key dates, required application materials, evaluation criteria, and more information. The deadline to apply is June 22, 2026 by 11:59 ET.

All applicants must prepare and submit their applications on the League’s grant platform, Award Force.