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

Rolling (Concept Notes) | March, June, November (Board review)

Typical awards range from $10,000 to $1,000,000; recent DEPT grants often $50,000–$150,000; multi-year support possible.

Supports projects that strengthen democratic culture, equitable media, and community engagement in the U.S.

Most grants by invitation; limited unsolicited proposals accepted via Concept Note.

--- ## Description The Democracy, Ethics, and Public Trust (DEPT) Initiative of the Henry Luce Foundation funds institutions and projects that reimagine and strengthen democratic culture and practices, with a focus on expanding networks, supporting new research, and fostering innovative approaches to create equitable and accessible media and information ecosystems. The initiative aims to promote enthusiastic community participation in policy development and contribute to a more just, participatory, and resilient democratic society. DEPT primarily supports U.S.-based projects, with three focus areas: Information Ecosystems, Communities and Governments, and Confidence in Democracies. --- ## Due Dates - **Concept Notes:** Accepted on a rolling basis through the Foundation's online portal. - **Board Review:** Proposals are reviewed by the Foundation’s Board three times per year: March, June, and November. - The review and proposal development process generally takes a minimum of 3 to 4 months. --- ## Funding Amount - **Typical award size:** $10,000 to $1,000,000, depending on project scope and program. - **Recent DEPT awards:** Commonly in the $50,000–$150,000 range. - **Indirect costs:** Up to 20% of the total grant amount may be included for indirect costs. - **Multi-year grants:** Frequently awarded; renewals considered case-by-case. --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible applicants:** Only institutions (not individuals), typically U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations or their international equivalents. - **International organizations:** Must provide NGOsource Equivalency Determination if advanced to full proposal. - **Restrictions:** No support for healthcare, medical initiatives, disaster relief, international development, political parties/campaigns, lobbying, annual funds, fundraising events, endowments, or building campaigns. - **Active grantees:** Organizations with an active grant should contact the Program Director before applying for a second grant in the same area. --- ## Application Process 1. **Review program guidelines** on the [program page](https://hluce.org/programs/democracy-ethics-public-trust/). 2. **Submit a Concept Note** via the [grants portal](https://hluce.my.site.com/s/). - All Concept Notes are reviewed within eight weeks. - Selected applicants are invited to submit a full proposal. 3. **Proposal review:** Invited proposals are presented to the Foundation’s Board in March, June, or November. 4. **Notification:** Applicants are informed about their status within 8–12 weeks of Concept Note submission. 5. **Resubmission:** Unsuccessful applicants may reapply once per year. --- ## Additional Information - **Focus Areas:** - *Information Ecosystems*: Innovative journalism, media equity, inclusive digital spaces. - *Communities and Governments*: Responsive public policy, community participation, civic engagement. - *Confidence in Democracy*: Projects that reinforce trust in democratic institutions and outcomes. - **Unsolicited Proposals:** Most grants are by invitation, but a limited amount of funding is reserved for unsolicited proposals submitted through the Concept Note process. - **Indirect Cost Policy:** Up to 20% of the grant amount may be allocated for indirect costs, subject to Program Director approval. --- ## External Links - [DEPT Program Page](https://hluce.org/programs/democracy-ethics-public-trust/) - [Grant Categories & Focus Areas](https://hluce.org/programs/democracy-ethics-public-trust/grant-categories/) - [How to Apply](https://hluce.org/apply-for-a-grant/) - [Grants Portal](https://hluce.my.site.com/s/) - [Recent Grantees & Examples](https://hluce.org/grant-year/2023/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Online Form/Info | |------------------------|---------------------------------|---------------|----------------------------| | General Inquiries | info@hluce.org | 212-489-7700 | [Contact Page](https://www.hluce.org/contact/) | | Grants Administrator | grants@hluce.org | — | | | Program Staff (DEPT) | See [Team Page](https://hluce.org/about/staff/) | — | |

Democracy, Ethics, and Public Trust

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