New York City Tourism Foundation
Our foundation provides vital support to the arts and cultural organizations that contribute to the diversity and dynamism of the five boroughs.
Overview
The New York City Tourism Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that helps sustain New York City’s extraordinary nonprofit arts community through cultural tourism development, audience education and outreach projects. Since its inception, the Foundation has focused on educating domestic and international audiences about the vibrant and diverse cultural community throughout all five boroughs of New York City.
To promote its mission, the Foundation has created a range of programs that educate domestic and international audiences about the vibrant and diverse cultural community throughout New York City. Programs have included NYC Arts on Tour, the Culture Spot monthly campaign and the This is Culture Arts Locator map. The Foundation has also funded programs such as the Borough Cultural Tourism Development Grant Program, which supports audience development for cultural organizations in all five boroughs, as well as scholarships to support the education and development of the next generation of nonprofit cultural professionals.
2022 Update
In December 2022, our Visionaries & Voices Gala returned after a two-year hiatus. Held at the Plaza Hotel, the event celebrated distinguished leaders who have made significant contributions to New York City’s tourism industry and its recovery. This year’s honorees were The New LaGuardia Airport (accepted by Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Executive Director Rick Cotton, Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian, and Vantage Airport Group Chair and CEO George Casey); Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce (accepted by President and CEO Lloyd Williams) and Shelly Fireman and the Fireman Hospitality Group. Ellen Futter, President of the American Museum of Natural History, received the Lifetime Achievement Award. The evening raised more than $800,000.
Working Through Adversity
Even as Covid-19 upended our world, Foundation work continued in earnest, using existing funds. In 2020, we were able to fully fund the Borough Cultural Tourism Development Grant Program as planned, supporting more than 60 organizations representing diverse aspects of the City’s cultural fabric during an unprecedented time of need. We returned the grants program to full funding in 2023.
Get in Touch
Our staff at New York City Tourism + Conventions is always ready to help you make the most of doing business with NYC. Connect with us today.
