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

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

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

Supports innovative museum projects that amplify underrepresented artists, challenge accepted histories, and foster diverse, community-centered dialogues through visual art.

Only institutions (not individuals) may apply; Concept Note required for initial submission.

--- ## Description The Henry Luce Foundation's American Art Program funds projects by museums and nonprofit institutions that engage with the visual arts of the United States, including Native American art. The program aims to foreground underrepresented artists and cultures, challenge established historical narratives, and foster inclusive, community-driven dialogue. Support is available for exhibitions, reinterpretations, documentation, publications, and projects that bring fresh perspectives to museum collections. The program welcomes innovative approaches and projects that exemplify ethical best practices, especially with ethnically specific collections. --- ## Due Dates - **April 24, 2026:** Exhibition Competition — Concept Note submission deadline (submit via online portal) - **June 26, 2026:** Exhibition Competition — Full proposal submission deadline (for invited institutions) Applicants will be notified of first-round decisions by May 15, 2026. All dates are specific to the Exhibition Competition; Responsive Grants accept Concept Notes on a rolling basis. --- ## Funding Amount - Typical grant size ranges from **$10,000 to $1,000,000**, depending on project scope and program area. - Multi-year grants are available and renewals are considered on a case-by-case basis. - Indirect costs (up to 20% of the grant amount) may be included, subject to approval. --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible Applicants:** Only institutions may apply (e.g., museums, nonprofit organizations, academic museums, and galleries). Individuals and for-profit entities are not eligible. - **Geography:** U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations or their international equivalents (international institutions must provide proof of nonprofit status recognized by the U.S. IRS). - **Exhibition Competition:** Only one exhibition proposal per institution per year. Concept Notes must be submitted by the organizing institution. - **Project Types:** Visual arts projects—collection-based reinterpretation, documentation, publications, exhibitions, and collaborative initiatives. - **Ineligible Activities:** Performance art, film (including documentaries), creation or purchase of art, projects focused solely on emerging artists, healthcare, disaster relief, political activities, annual funds, endowments, or building campaigns. --- ## Application Process 1. **Review Program Guidelines:** Ensure your project aligns with the American Art Program's priorities. 2. **Create Account:** Register on the [Luce Foundation’s online grant portal](https://hluce.my.site.com/s/login/?ec=302&startURL=%2Fs%2F). 3. **Submit Concept Note:** Complete and submit a Concept Note outlining your institution’s proposal and funding request. - For Exhibition Competition, submit by April 24, 2026. - For Responsive Grants, submissions are accepted on a rolling basis. 4. **Review Period:** All Concept Notes are reviewed within 8 weeks. Applicants will be notified of advancement or declination. 5. **Full Proposal (by invitation):** Selected applicants are invited to submit a full proposal (deadline: June 26, 2026, for Exhibition Competition). 6. **Board Review:** Proposals are considered by the Foundation’s board three times a year (March, June, November). 7. **Notification:** All applicants are informed of the outcome. --- ## Additional Information - Projects should center U.S. art (including Native American art) as more than half of the exhibition checklist. - The organizing institution’s permanent collection, a single private collection, or a single dealer’s holdings may not constitute more than half of the exhibition. - The proposed exhibition should not open before March of the year following application. - The Foundation supports curatorial fellowships and collection-based training as part of larger projects. - For non-U.S. institutions, an Equivalency Determination may be required. --- ## External Links - [American Art Program Overview](https://hluce.org/programs/american-art) - [Grant Categories & Guidelines](https://hluce.org/programs/american-art/grant-categories/) - [How to Apply](https://hluce.org/apply-for-a-grant/) - [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 | Additional Info | |-------------------|-----------------------------|---------------|-----------------| | General Inquiries | info@hluce.org | 212-489-7700 | [Contact Form](https://www.hluce.org/contact/) | | Program Director (American Art) | rgriffey@hluce.org | | [Randall Griffey Profile](https://hluce.org/about/staff/randall-griffey/) | | Grants Admin | grants@hluce.org | | | ---

American Art Program

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