Altman Foundation Grants - Cultural Engagement, Youth Development & the Arts

The Altman Foundation's Cultural Engagement program supports access and inclusion in arts and culture for New Yorkers. Objectives: (1) promote access to arts and culture for all New Yorkers, with a focus on underserved communities, and strengthen the city's arts infrastructure and organizational capacity; and (2) promote positive youth development among underserved youth through sustained engagement in arts, cultural and other unique programs. Programs supported generally take place outside the public schools. Eligibility: U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations (not private foundations) operating within New York State, focused almost without exception on the five boroughs of New York City; no grants to individuals, and no funding for bricks-and-mortar/capital, galas/fundraising events, budget deficits, or public universities. Observed 2026 grants in this area ranged roughly $35,000-$200,000.

Entry is by Letter of Inquiry through the Foundation's online grant portal; if invited, applicants submit a full proposal (Direct Service, Capacity Building, or Systems Change). Trustees review recommendations at five regularly scheduled meetings per year (rolling intake, no fixed deadline). Note: the Foundation currently has limited funds for new, non-foundation-initiated grantmaking.