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

August 2026 (inquiry form) | October 2026 (full proposal)

Planning grants: $25,000–$75,000 | Implementation grants: up to $100,000 | Median grant ~$75,000

Supports organizations worldwide in reinterpreting and expanding the presentation of American art collections, emphasizing inclusivity, diverse voices, and community engagement.

--- ## Description This grant program supports museums, art centers, and community-based cultural organizations in projects that reinterpret and re-present their permanent collections of American art. The aim is to broaden understanding of American art, promote inclusive and expansive practices, and catalyze institutional change. Eligible projects include permanent collection reinstallations or temporary exhibitions drawn primarily from an institution’s permanent collection. The foundation prioritizes proposals that engage a multiplicity of artists and themes, include diverse voices, rethink collections to retell local or regional histories, and involve collaborative engagement with communities. Grants may offset planning, research, and implementation costs, such as interpretation, signage, artist fees (except for commissions), conservation, marketing, and dissemination of research. The program encourages multilingual materials and supports related staff positions (up to 25% of the award) and indirect costs (up to 15% of the award). --- ## Due Dates - August 2026: Grant inquiry form deadline (anticipated/projected) - October 2026: Full proposal deadline (anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Planning grants typically range from $25,000 to $75,000. - Implementation grants are up to $100,000. - Median grant is approximately $75,000. - 30 grants awarded in a recent cycle, totaling $2.1M. - Up to 25% of the award may support related staff positions; up to 15% may be used for indirect costs. - No matching funds are required. --- ## Eligibility - Open to organizations worldwide with United States 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status or the international equivalent. - Eligible applicants include museums, art centers, and community-based cultural organizations. - Grants are not made to individuals. - Only project organizers may apply; co-organizers must apply jointly if relevant. - Not eligible: projects focused on the creation/acquisition of artwork, acquisitions or capital expenditures (except temporary gallery walls), projects that are exclusively online, those previously declined, or projects primarily consisting of loans. - Organizations that have received a Collections planning grant may subsequently apply for implementation support for the same project. --- ## Application Process - **Step 1:** Submit a grant inquiry form via the [grant portal](http://terraamericanart.fluxx.io/). - **Step 2:** Invited applicants submit a full proposal (in English). - Proposals are reviewed by an external panel of curators and arts professionals from diverse backgrounds. - Required documents include: project description, object list (for exhibitions/reinstallations), financial statements, board list, operating budget, and a letter of support. - For collaborative projects, joint applications are required. - Grant awards are typically made within 2–5 months of the proposal deadline. - Payments are made upon receipt of a signed agreement. - For detailed forms and requirements, see the [sample inquiry form (PDF)](https://www.terraamericanart.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Collections-Grant-Inquiry-Form-Sample-2025.pdf) and [sample proposal form (PDF)](https://www.terraamericanart.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Collections-Proposal-Form-Sample-2025.pdf). --- ## Additional Information - The foundation encourages projects that reflect the full breadth and complexity of American art and its histories. - Written materials should be multilingual when relevant. - The program is competitive; invitation to submit a proposal does not guarantee funding. - Grants may not be used for capital expenditures, permanent equipment, or the creation/acquisition of artwork. - See [Applicant Resources](https://www.terraamericanart.org/grant-program/applicant-resources/) for more details. --- ## External Links - [Program Page: Collections Grants](https://www.terraamericanart.org/grant-program/collections-grants/) - [Applicant Resources](https://www.terraamericanart.org/grant-program/applicant-resources/) - [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) - [Grants Portal (Apply)](http://terraamericanart.fluxx.io/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | More Info | |---------------------------|---------------------------------------------|-----------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Grants Inquiries | [grants@terraamericanart.org](mailto:grants@terraamericanart.org) | +1 312 664 3939 | [Contact Page](https://www.terraamericanart.org/where-to-find-us/chicago-and-paris/) | | Program Contact (Collections Grants) | [haslett@terraamericanart.org](mailto:haslett@terraamericanart.org) | | |

Collections Grants - Terra Foundation for American Art

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