IDEAL Internship Grants
The IDEAL Internship Grants support internships for underserved students to promote diversity and leadership in decorative arts and museum research, with a focus on impactful, project-driven experiences.
Funder: The Decorative Arts Trust
Due Dates: August 31, 2026 (annual proposal deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $5,000 per internship; second year of funding possible for impactful programs
Summary: Funds internships that promote diversity, equity, and access in the decorative arts and museum fields, supporting students from underserved backgrounds.
Key Information: Host institutions must have at least one staff member as a Trust member during the grant period.
Description
The IDEAL Internship Grants program, offered by The Decorative Arts Trust, is designed to advance inclusivity, diversity, equity, access, and leadership within the museum and decorative arts fields. The program supports internships that provide opportunities for students from disadvantaged and underserved backgrounds, aiming to foster systemic change and broaden participation in museums, historic sites, and cultural organizations. Internships may focus on object-based research, exhibitions, communications, or educational programming, and must be structured to achieve a defined end goal or capstone project that supports the intern’s academic and professional development. The Trust encourages institutions to provide additional opportunities for professional growth, networking, and public outreach.
