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

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

Awards typically range from $75,000 to $200,000+; multi-year grants possible; indirect costs up to 20% allowed.

Supports museum projects and exhibitions that advance creative expression, highlight underrepresented artists, and foster dialogue on American art and history.

Grants are only awarded to institutions, not individuals.

--- ## Description The American Art Program of the Henry Luce Foundation funds innovative museum projects and scholarly loan exhibitions that engage with the visual arts of the United States, including Native American art. The program aims to empower museums to highlight the experiences of underrepresented artists and cultures, challenge accepted histories, and foster collaboration and conversation among diverse communities. Funding is available for projects that reconsider and reinvigorate collections, support new research, and develop exhibitions with intellectual rigor and cultural significance. --- ## Due Dates - **April 24, 2026:** Exhibition Competition — Concept Note submission deadline - **June 26, 2026:** Exhibition Competition — Full proposal submission deadline (for selected institutions) Additional internal review and notification dates may follow for applicants invited to advance in the competition. --- ## Funding Amount - **Typical grant size:** Recent awards range from $75,000 to $200,000+, depending on project scope and category. - **Grant duration:** Multi-year grants are possible; renewals are considered case by case. - **Indirect costs:** Up to 20% of the total grant amount may be budgeted for indirect costs. - **Eligible expenses:** Project costs related to collections, research, documentation, exhibitions, publications, curatorial training, and related activities. --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible applicants:** Only institutions may apply (not individuals), including: - U.S.-based nonprofit museums, academic museums, Native American Tribal museums, and their international equivalents. - Non-U.S. museums may apply if they have valid U.S. IRS nonprofit status. - **Ineligible:** Projects led by individuals, performance art, film/documentaries, art creation/purchase, emerging artist support, healthcare/medical/disaster relief, political activities, annual funds, endowments, or building campaigns. - **Exhibition Competition requirements:** - Art of the United States (including Native American art) must be the majority of the exhibition. - Only one exhibition proposal per institution per year. - Exhibition must not open before March of the year following application. - Checklist limitations apply for originating institution/collections. --- ## Application Process 1. **Review program goals and guidelines** on the [American Art Program page](https://hluce.org/programs/american-art/). 2. **Submit a Concept Note** through the [online grants portal](https://hluce.my.site.com/s/login/?ec=302&startURL=%2Fs%2F) by April 24, 2026. - Concept Notes are reviewed within eight weeks. - Only selected applicants are invited to submit a full proposal (due June 26, 2026). 3. **Full proposals** are reviewed by external advisors and Foundation staff. 4. **Board review:** Awards are approved at Foundation board meetings (March, June, November). 5. **Notification:** Applicants are informed of status at each stage. For Responsive Grants and other categories, Concept Notes are accepted on a rolling basis. --- ## Additional Information - Projects must demonstrate intellectual rigor, originality, and organizational capacity. - Geographic and institutional diversity are considered. - Accompanying publications and additional tour venues are encouraged but not required. - Conservation projects are rarely funded unless part of a broader collections-based proposal. - Curatorial fellowships and training may be included as part of Responsive Grant projects. --- ## 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/) - [Grants Portal](https://hluce.my.site.com/s/login/?ec=302&startURL=%2Fs%2F) - [Recent Grantees and Awards](https://hluce.org/grants/?order=date-desc&search=&paging=1) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | More Info/Link | |-------------------------------|---------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | info@hluce.org | [Contact Page](https://www.hluce.org/contact/) | | Grants Administrator | grants@hluce.org | [Apply for a Grant](https://hluce.org/apply-for-a-grant/) | | Program Director, American Art| rgriffey@hluce.org | [Randall Griffey Bio](https://hluce.org/about/staff/randall-griffey/) | | Program Associate, American Art| — | [Jackie Edwards Bio](https://hluce.org/about/staff/jackie-edwards/) | | Main Phone | 212-489-7700 | | ---

American Art Program

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