The foundation's mission is to encourage, sponsor, and promote innovative work in the arts created and presented by individuals, groups, and organizations. Its legacy continues today with unrestricted, by-nomination grants supporting pioneering work across the fields of dance, music/sound, performance art/theater, poetry, and the visual arts. Grantees receive not only vital financial assistance but also the inestimable encouragement that comes with recognition by their peers. A fund is also maintained to assist artists with work-related emergencies and unexpected opportunities.