Grants for American Museums

From The Foundation Center...

Deadline: April 1, annually (Letters of Inquiry)

Luce Fund in American Art Offers Support for Scholarly Exhibitions and Publications

A program of the New York City-based Henry Luce Foundation, the Luce Fund in American Art seeks to support scholarly exhibitions and their related publications that contribute significantly to the study of American art.

Each proposed project must result in a tangible product that can be added to the body of scholarship in the field of American art. Applicants must be the originator of the exhibition project, not a subsequent venue. All periods and genres of American art history are included. Intellectual merit and potential contribution to scholarship are the most important criteria for evaluating proposals. Demonstrable impact of the artist or subject must be substantiated. The program is aesthetically and object-based and does not include projects that are primarily historical, documentary, sociological, or that concern private collections. Museum permanent collection projects are not included in this category.

Any American museum evincing a commitment to American art is eligible to apply for a grant. Museums outside of the United States may submit appropriate projects for consideration only if they have proof of valid nonprofit status provided by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. Proposals are not accepted from individuals.

A prior Letter of Inquiry is required to ascertain the foundation's interest. Inquiry letters may be submitted at any time, but must be received no later than April 1 for possible acceptance to the annual summer review of approximately 20 proposals. The annual deadline for receipt of proposals is June 15. It is recommended to inquire at least 18 months in advance of an exhibition's opening date.

See the Luce Foundation Web site for complete guidelines and examples of museums and projects that have been supported through the fund in the past.

Contact:
Link to Complete RFP