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

Rolling (Concept Notes accepted year-round)

Typical awards range from $10,000 to $1,000,000; recent Responsive Grants are commonly $75,000–$300,000; indirect costs capped at 20%.

Supports projects that help art museums rethink and activate their collections through research, reinterpretation, and community partnerships.

Only nonprofit art museums and equivalents are eligible; individuals and for-profits cannot apply.

--- ## Description The Henry Luce Foundation’s American Art Program Responsive Grants fund projects that encourage art museums to serve as dynamic public knowledge organizations and forums for creative expression and dialogue. Grants support a broad spectrum of initiatives designed to reconsider and reinvigorate museum collections through partnerships with diverse collaborators and communities. Eligible projects may include new research, innovative documentation, publications, reinterpretation, reinstallations, and exhibitions. The program places special emphasis on ethical best practices, especially when engaging with ethnically specific collections or holdings that have been under-preserved, under-studied, or under-shared. --- ## Due Dates - Concept Notes are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. - Applicants are encouraged to submit Concept Notes at least 6–8 months before the desired project start date to ensure timely review and consideration. --- ## Funding Amount - Typical grant amounts range from $10,000 to $1,000,000, depending on project scope and need. - Recent Responsive Grant awards in the American Art Program have ranged from $75,000 to $300,000. - Indirect costs (IDC) are reimbursed up to a maximum of 20% of the total grant amount. --- ## Eligibility - Only nonprofit art museums and their international equivalents are eligible to apply. - Grants are made to institutions, not to individuals or for-profit organizations. - International applicants must provide proof of nonprofit status equivalent to U.S. 501(c)(3). - Projects must focus on revitalizing museum collections through research, documentation, reinterpretation, or exhibition. - Ineligible activities include performance art, film (including documentaries), art creation, art purchase, and projects focused on emerging artists. --- ## Application Process 1. **Review Program Goals:** Ensure your project aligns with the American Art Program’s purpose and guidelines. 2. **Submit Concept Note:** Create an account and submit a Concept Note via the [online grants portal](https://hluce.my.site.com/s/login/?ec=302&startURL=%2Fs%2F). 3. **Review Process:** Concept Notes are reviewed within approximately 8 weeks. Selected applicants are invited to submit a full proposal. 4. **Proposal Submission:** Invited proposals are considered at board meetings held three times per year (March, June, November). 5. **Notification:** All applicants are notified of their status via email. Applicants may contact the American Art Program Director with specific questions before submitting a Concept Note. --- ## Additional Information - Institutions with an active Luce Foundation grant should consult with the Program Director before applying for an additional grant in the same program area. - Multi-year grants and renewals are possible, determined case-by-case. - Conservation projects are rarely funded unless integral to a collections-based project. - Apprentice or fellowship positions must include mentorship by senior curators. --- ## External Links - [American Art Program Overview](https://hluce.org/programs/american-art/) - [Grant Categories & 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 Grants Database](https://hluce.org/grants/?order=date-desc&search=&paging=1) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | More Info | |------------------------|---------------------------------------|---------------|----------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [info@hluce.org](mailto:info@hluce.org) | 212-489-7700 | [Contact Page](https://www.hluce.org/contact/) | | Grants Administrator | [grants@hluce.org](mailto:grants@hluce.org) | | | | American Art Program Director | [rgriffey@hluce.org](mailto:rgriffey@hluce.org) | | |

Responsive Grants

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