[Terra Foundation for American Art](https://www.terraamericanart.org)

August 3, 2026 (inquiry deadline) | October 13, 2026 (full proposal, if invited)

Planning grants: $25,000–$75,000 | Implementation grants: up to $100,000 | Typical median grant: $75,000

Supports museums and cultural organizations worldwide in reinterpreting and re-presenting American art collections to foster inclusivity, diverse perspectives, and community engagement.

--- ## Description This program provides funding to museums, art centers, and community-based cultural organizations globally to reinterpret and re-present permanent collections of American art. The goal is to broaden understanding of American art by supporting reinstallation projects or temporary exhibitions drawn primarily from an institution’s own collection. Projects should promote the visibility and relevance of collections, encourage diverse artists and themes, and foster collaborative engagement with local communities. Supported activities include planning, research, interpretation, signage, artist fees, shipping, temporary construction, conservation, marketing, evaluation, and dissemination of research. The foundation prioritizes projects reflecting the complexity of American art and its histories, engaging multiple voices and perspectives, and catalyzing inclusive practices in the field. --- ## Due Dates - August 3, 2026: Grant inquiry form due (for projects beginning after May 1, 2027) - October 13, 2026: Full proposal due (by invitation only; for projects beginning after May 1, 2027) --- ## Funding Amount - Planning grants: $25,000–$75,000 - Implementation grants: up to $100,000 - Median grant: $75,000 - Up to 25% of the award may be used for related staff positions; up to 15% for indirect costs Grant support is offered once yearly. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be organizations with United States 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status or the international equivalent. - Eligible organizations include museums, art centers, and community-based cultural organizations worldwide. - Grants are not made to individuals. - Only project organizer(s) may apply; co-organizers must apply jointly if applicable. - Organizations that have received a planning grant may apply for implementation support for the same project. - Ineligible requests include: - Creation or acquisition of artwork - Capital expenditures or permanent equipment (except temporary gallery walls) - Exclusively online projects - Projects consisting primarily of loans or previously opened/touring exhibitions - Previously declined projects --- ## Application Process 1. **Grant Inquiry Form:** Submit an inquiry via the [online portal](http://terraamericanart.fluxx.io/) by the inquiry deadline. - Use the provided [sample inquiry form](https://www.terraamericanart.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Collections-Grant-Inquiry-Form-Sample-2025.pdf) to prepare. 2. **Full Proposal:** If invited, submit a full proposal (in English) with all required attachments by the proposal deadline. - [Sample proposal form](https://www.terraamericanart.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Collections-Proposal-Form-Sample-2025.pdf) available. 3. Proposals are reviewed by an external panel of curators and arts professionals. 4. Grants are typically awarded in spring following the proposal deadline. **Required documents** may include: project description, object list (for exhibition/reinstallation requests), financial statements, letter of project support, board member list, and operating budget. --- ## Additional Information - Funds may be used for planning, research, interpretation, artist fees (except commissions), shipping, conservation, temporary construction, marketing, evaluation, and research dissemination. - Written materials are encouraged to be multilingual when relevant. - No matching funds are required. - Indirect costs are capped at 15% of the award; related staff costs at 25%. - The foundation aims to fund projects that collectively reflect the breadth and complexity of American art, engage a plurality of perspectives, and catalyze inclusive practices. --- ## External Links - [Program Page: Collections Grants](https://www.terraamericanart.org/grant-program/collections-grants/) - [Applicant Resources](https://www.terraamericanart.org/applicant-resources/) - [Grant Portal (Apply)](http://terraamericanart.fluxx.io/) - [Sample Inquiry Form (PDF)](https://www.terraamericanart.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Collections-Grant-Inquiry-Form-Sample-2025.pdf) - [Sample Proposal Form (PDF)](https://www.terraamericanart.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Collections-Proposal-Form-Sample-2025.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Person | Title | Email | Phone | |-----------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------|-----------------| | Carrie Haslett | Senior Program Director, Exhibition Grants & Initiatives | haslett@terraamericanart.org | +1 312 664 3939 | | General Inquiries | Grants Office | grants@terraamericanart.org | | | Foundation Address | Terra Foundation for American Art | 120 East Erie Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA | | ---

Collections Grants

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