Welcome to the National Independent Venue Foundation (NIVF) opportunities page.

                                                      How To Fill Out Your Application

Once you select a submission opportunity below, you can create a free Submittable account to get started.  Your application will automatically save, you may also save and review your work as you go.

Frequently asked questions and how-to on creating an account: http://help.submittable.com/knowledgebase/articles/225218-how-do-i-submit

Please contact erf@nivf.org with questions about the guidelines or application process. 

Submit to 2026 NIVF Emergency Relief Fund Application

NIVF Emergency Relief Fund 2025 Application

Overview
The National Independent Venue Foundation (NIVF) Emergency Relief Fund (ERF) is dedicated to supporting independent venues and promoters across the United States facing critically severe emergencies beyond their control. Priority is given to those directly impacted by disasters such as physical damage, mandated closures, evacuations, or loss of essential utilities like water or power. 

Examples of eligible needs include repairing structural damage, covering employee payroll due to closures, replacing production equipment, or relocating to a new venue when the current one is unusable. Given the limited resources available, the fund is currently unable to support losses related to ticket sales, rental fees, or performer costs. 

This program aims to provide compassionate and practical assistance to help venues and promoters recover and continue their vital contributions to the performing arts community. Additional eligibility details can be found here: https://www.nivf.org/erf

The Emergency Relief Fund is able to operate through the support of generous donors – including recipients supporting the fund!

Ends on
Submit to NIVA '26 Conference Travel Assistance Grant

NIVA CON ‘26 Conference Travel Assistance Grant

Independent Venues and Promoters are welcome, members and non-members of the National Independent Venue Association, to apply for the National Independent Venue Foundation's conference travel grants. These grants are intended to make it easier for people from around the country to join the NIVA '26 Conference in Minneapolis, June 7-10, 2026.

The conference travel grant will provide up to $500 flight reimbursement of a roundtrip economy airline ticket, or estimated fuel costs to drive to Minneapolis. These reimbursement grants were provided by our generous donor, Dave Mattingly of Eddie’s Attic, and will be provided to those in need of financial assistance for travel to attend the conference.

Guidelines & Eligibility:

  • Applicants can be a member or non-member of NIVA who have registered for NIVA ‘26 and are able to provide proof of registration (confirmation email or screenshot).
  • Applicants must be employed by an independent venue or promoter. 
  • Your business is independently owned. 
  • Applicants must show purchase of an economy airline ticket for NIVA '26 in the June 7-10 window (confirmation email or screenshot), or use the US Department of Energy Fuel Economy Trip Calculator to estimate gas costs (screenshot).
  • Applicants must be able to provide a W9 for payment if selected.
  • A limited number of grants are available and will be prioritized based on first time attendees, and applicant needs.
  • Funding will be limited to 2 staff members per business and affiliated businesses.

Timeline: Applications will be accepted April 6 - May 18, based on availability of limited funds.