[Henry Luce Foundation](https://www.hluce.org)

April 24, 2026 (Concept Note) | June 26, 2026 (Full Proposal)

Typical grants range from $10,000 to $1,000,000; multi-year awards are possible.

Supports museum projects advancing inclusive visual arts dialogues, with a focus on underrepresented artists and U.S. art histories.

Only institutions (not individuals) are eligible to apply.

--- ## Description The American Art Program of the Henry Luce Foundation provides grants to museums and nonprofit institutions for projects that use the visual arts to foster dialogue about the past, present, and future of the United States. The program prioritizes initiatives that highlight underrepresented artists and cultures, challenge accepted art historical narratives, and encourage collaboration and community engagement. Funding is available for a wide range of activities, including exhibitions, reinterpretation of collections, publications, and curatorial research, with a strong emphasis on ethical best practices and inclusivity. --- ## Due Dates - **April 24, 2026**: Exhibition Concept Note submission deadline (2026 Exhibition Competition) - **June 26, 2026**: Full proposal submission deadline (2026 Exhibition Competition) Applicants are notified of first-round decisions by May 15, 2026. Additional notification dates for subsequent review rounds are published on the program site. --- ## Funding Amount - Grants typically range from **$10,000 to $1,000,000** depending on project scope and category. - Multi-year funding is available and renewals are considered on a case-by-case basis. - Indirect costs are allowed up to 20% of the total grant amount. --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible applicants:** U.S.-based nonprofit museums and their international equivalents. Museums outside the U.S. must provide proof of valid nonprofit status from the U.S. IRS. - **Not eligible:** Individuals, for-profit entities, and projects focused on art creation, art purchase, performance art, film, annual funds, endowments, building campaigns, fundraising events, or political activities. - **Project requirements:** Projects must focus on U.S. art (including Native American art), with more than half of the exhibition checklist representing U.S. art. Only one exhibition proposal per institution per year. --- ## Application Process 1. **Review guidelines:** Carefully review the [program page](https://hluce.org/programs/american-art/) and grant categories. 2. **Concept Note:** Submit a Concept Note via the [online portal](https://hluce.my.site.com/s/login/?ec=302&startURL=%2Fs%2F) by the stated deadline. 3. **Review:** Concept Notes are reviewed within eight weeks. Selected applicants are invited to submit a full proposal. 4. **Full Proposal:** Submit the full proposal through the portal by the full proposal deadline. 5. **Board Review:** Proposals are reviewed by external advisors and considered by the Foundation’s board, with decisions announced in November. 6. **Timeline:** The entire review and proposal process generally takes 3–4 months or longer for exhibition competitions. --- ## Additional Information - Projects should emphasize intellectual rigor, cultural significance, and organizational capacity. - Geographic and institutional diversity are considered in funding decisions. - The program encourages applications from organizations of all scales, including tribal and academic museums. - Conservation-related components may be funded if part of a larger collections-based project. - Projects should not open before March of the year following application submission. --- ## External Links - [American Art Program Overview](https://hluce.org/programs/american-art/) - [Grant Categories and Guidelines](https://hluce.org/programs/american-art/grant-categories/) - [Apply for a Grant](https://hluce.org/apply-for-a-grant/) - [Online Grants Portal](https://hluce.my.site.com/s/login/?ec=302&startURL=%2Fs%2F) - [Recent Grantees](https://hluce.org/grants/?order=date-desc&search=&paging=1) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | More Info | |-------------------------|---------------------------------|---------------|----------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | info@hluce.org | 212-489-7700 | [Contact Page](https://www.hluce.org/contact/) | | Program Director (American Art) | rgriffey@hluce.org | | [Randall Griffey Bio](https://hluce.org/about/staff/randall-griffey/) | ---

American Art Program

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