Collections Grants
Supports projects that reinterpret American art collections to advance inclusion, community engagement, and broadened understanding through research, exhibitions, and innovative interpretive practices.
Funder: Terra Foundation for American Art
Due Dates: August 3, 2026 (Inquiry) | October 13, 2026 (Full proposal)
Funding Amounts: $25,000–$100,000 per grant; planning grants typically $25K–$75K, implementation grants up to $100K
Summary: Supports organizations to reinterpret and present American art collections, advancing inclusion, access, and community engagement.
Key Information: Only organizations with 501(c)(3) or international equivalent eligible; individuals may not apply.
Description
This grant program supports museums, art centers, and community-based cultural organizations worldwide in reinterpreting and re-presenting their permanent collections of American art. The goal is to broaden understanding, promote inclusive and expansive practices, and engage diverse communities through projects such as permanent collection reinstallations or temporary exhibitions drawn primarily from an institution’s own holdings. Projects should reflect the complexity of American art, foster a plurality of voices, rethink collections to tell local or regional histories, and catalyze inclusive practices within the field.
Funding may be used for planning, research, and implementation activities, including staffing, interpretation, signage, artist fees (excluding commissions), shipping, conservation, programs, marketing, evaluation, and dissemination of research in digital or print form. The foundation encourages multilingual materials and supports indirect and staff costs within set limits.
