Short Description
Collections grants are often a vital source of support for organizations working to reinterpret their permanent collections of American art. Such efforts are essential to promoting visibility and maintaining relevance in a community and among today’s audiences.
By supporting collections projects, we hope to support endeavors that will exert a long-term impact on institutional practices, such as:
- presentation of a multiplicity of artists and themes
- inclusion of a plurality of voices
- rethinking of collections to re-tell local or regional histories
- engagement with local communities in collaborative program and content creation
- broadening and deepening access through inclusive stories and design
What we fund
Grants offset planning, research, and/or implementation costs for permanent collection reinstallations or temporary exhibitions drawn primarily from an institution’s permanent collection. Funds may be used for costs associated with:
- planning and research, including short-term positions (e.g. research fellows or assistants), convenings, travel, and advisory committees
- interpretation
- signage/labels
- artist fees (except for commissions)
- shipping, crating, couriers, insurance, and object loan fees
- construction of temporary gallery walls
- conservation/framing
- rental equipment
- programs and events
- marketing
- evaluation
- dissemination of research, whether in digital or print form
Eligibility
All applicants must hold United States 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status or its international equivalent.
Only the project organizer(s) may apply for support. If co-organizing with a presenting partner institution, the co-organizers must apply jointly. Grants are not made to individuals.
If an organization has received a Collections research and planning grant, it may subsequently apply for Collections implementation support for the same project.
Currently, we do not accept requests for:
- the creation or acquisition of existing or commissioned artwork
- acquisitions or capital expenditures or permanent equipment (including technology, construction other than temporary gallery walls, contracted exhibition or architectural design, exhibition furniture/vitrines, etc.)
- projects that are exclusively online
- projects previously opened that are touring to new venues
- projects consisting primarily of loans
- grant inquiries or proposals previously declined through this program
How to Apply
Online Application
Program Benefits & Awards
We support permanent collection projects that broaden understanding and pursue inclusive and expansive practices of American art, whether through reinstallation or temporary exhibitions drawn primarily from an institution’s permanent collection. We welcome proposals from museums, art centers, and community-based cultural organizations of varying sizes, annual budgets, and diverse geographies, within and outside the United States.
- Planning grants typically range between $25,000 and $75,000.
- Implementation grants are up to $100,000.
- Grant support through this program is offered once yearly.
- Grants for this round will be awarded in spring 2026.
Entry Fee
None
Location
United States
Timeline
For projects that begin after May 1, 2026:
| Inquiry Due | August 4, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Proposal Due | October 6, 2025 |
| Grant Range | $25K–$100K |
Website Link: https://www.terraamericanart.org/grant-program/collections-grants/
