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

March 6, 2026 (Grant inquiry/LOI) | May 15, 2026 (Full proposal)

$25,000–$200,000 typical range; average grant ~$100,000; up to 1 year duration

Supports organizations worldwide to plan and implement temporary exhibitions that expand and diversify understandings of American art.

For exhibitions opening after January 1, 2027; highly competitive; not open to individuals.

--- ## Description The Terra Foundation for American Art Exhibition Grants support museums, art centers, and cultural organizations in planning and implementing temporary loan exhibitions that broaden and diversify the narratives of American art. The program encourages projects that reflect the full breadth and complexity of American and Indigenous art, foster intercultural and interdisciplinary dialogue, and promote inclusive, transformative practices. Funding can be used for a wide range of activities, including planning, research, artist fees (excluding commissions), shipping, conservation, programming, marketing, and dissemination of research. Written materials are encouraged to be multilingual when relevant. The foundation particularly welcomes projects that engage diverse communities, scholars, and artists, and that catalyze new approaches in the field. --- ## Due Dates - March 6, 2026: Grant inquiry (LOI) deadline for exhibitions opening after January 1, 2027 - May 15, 2026: Full grant proposal submission deadline (by invitation) for exhibitions opening after January 1, 2027 --- ## Funding Amount - Typical grant range: $25,000–$200,000 - Average grant size: ~$100,000 - Median recent grant: $112,500 - Funding covers planning and/or implementation costs, including: - Planning/research, short-term staff, convenings, travel - Interpretation and artist fees (not commissions) - Shipping, conservation, temporary gallery construction - Programs, marketing, research dissemination - Related staff positions (up to 25% of award) - Indirect costs (up to 15% of award) - Awards are made once per year; grants for this cycle will be awarded in fall 2026. --- ## Eligibility - Open to organizations worldwide with US 501(c)(3) status or international equivalent. - Eligible applicants: museums, art centers, community-based cultural organizations. - Only project organizers may apply; co-organizers are encouraged to apply jointly. - Not open to individuals. - An institution cannot receive Exhibition Grants in consecutive years if previously funded (exceptions for planning-only grants followed by implementation). - Not eligible: - Projects focused on creation/acquisition of artwork, capital expenditures, permanent equipment, exclusively online projects, or projects previously declined. - Exhibitions primarily drawn from permanent collections (see [Collections Grants](https://www.terraamericanart.org/grant-fellowship-opportunities/collections-grants/)). --- ## Application Process 1. **Grant Inquiry (LOI):** Submit a grant inquiry form via the [Terra Foundation Grants Portal](http://terraamericanart.fluxx.io/) by March 6, 2026. 2. **Invitation to Proposal:** Selected applicants are invited to submit a full proposal by May 15, 2026. 3. **Proposal Review:** Proposals are reviewed by an external panel of curators and arts professionals. 4. **Award Notification:** Grants are awarded in fall 2026. **Required documents** (for full proposal): - Project narrative and detailed budget - List of objects to be exhibited - Audited financial statements - Letter of support from institution head - Board list and operating budget - Additional materials as requested (e.g., floor plan, annual report) See [sample inquiry form](https://www.terraamericanart.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Exhibition-Grant-Inquiry-Form-Sample-2026.pdf) and [sample proposal form](https://www.terraamericanart.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Exhibition-Proposal-Form-Sample-2026.pdf) for details. --- ## Additional Information - Projects must primarily feature works not in the applicant’s permanent collection. - Emphasis on collaborative, inclusive, and accessible visitor engagement. - Written materials should be multilingual when relevant. - Indirect costs capped at 15%; staff support capped at 25% of award. - Applicants are encouraged to review [grantmaking priorities](https://www.terraamericanart.org/what-we-offer/grant-fellowship-opportunities/) before applying. --- ## External Links - [Exhibition Grants Program Page](https://www.terraamericanart.org/grant-program/exhibition-grants/) - [Grants Portal (Application Submission)](http://terraamericanart.fluxx.io/) - [Applicant Resources](https://www.terraamericanart.org/grant-fellowship-opportunities/applicant-resources/) - [Sample Grant Inquiry Form (PDF)](https://www.terraamericanart.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Exhibition-Grant-Inquiry-Form-Sample-2026.pdf) - [Sample Grant Proposal Form (PDF)](https://www.terraamericanart.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Exhibition-Proposal-Form-Sample-2026.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Phone | More Info | |----------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------|------------------|--------------------------------------------------------| | General Grants Contact | [grants@terraamericanart.org](mailto:grants@terraamericanart.org) | +1 312 664 3939 | [Contact Page](https://www.terraamericanart.org/where-to-find-us/chicago-and-paris/) | | Exhibition Grants & Initiatives (Carrie Haslett, Senior Program Director) | [haslett@terraamericanart.org](mailto:haslett@terraamericanart.org) | | |

Exhibition Grants

Sign in to see full grant listing