Americana Foundation: American Heritage Grant

The Americana Foundation's American Heritage Grant aims to support projects that broaden inclusivity in early American art and narratives, especially for underrepresented groups. Recognizing the historical significance of Americana, the foundation prioritizes initiatives that promote understanding and appreciation of America's diverse heritage. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and municipal entities. The foundation encourages innovative projects that reinterpret early American material culture, fostering a deeper connection to the past for future generations.

NOTE: We strongly encourage new applicants to submit a concept letter to help us determine whether your project fits the Foundation's program areas. We accept concept letters and grant requests on a rolling basis.
Program Focus: American Heritage
Adolph and Ginger Meyer were significant collectors of Americana, especially the fine, handcrafted furniture and decorative items developed by early Americans. The Meyers appreciated these items because, to them, Americana expressed a sense of artistic freedom and was constructed or created with integrity and individuality.
Over the years, the Americana Foundation has supported organizations and institutions that preserve, protect, and promote expressions of America’s heritage as a bridge to understanding place and identity and as a means of celebrating the craftsmanship and creativity of early American artisans.
Our Current Focus
Our current priority in the American Heritage program area is to support projects and programs across the US that seek to broaden the inclusivity of early American art and the early American historical narrative to “tell the full story of” the American experience. We look to support organizations and projects that elevate those whose perspectives have been traditionally underrepresented, especially people of color, Indigenous people, and women. Furniture acquisitions and building restorations will not be a priority.
Example Projects
Interpretation or reinterpretation of art, decorative arts, or other objects of early American material culture (“Americana”) and their placement on public display for the appreciation and understanding of present and future generations.Internships, fellowships, apprenticeships, and other career development opportunities for people interested in the curation, conservation, preservation, or restoration of Americana.
Exhibits, visual media, interactive experiences, and other educational programs that contribute to better understanding or “tell the full story” of the American experience.

Eligibility

Who is eligible?Nonprofit organizations that have been recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code.Nonprofit organizations under the fiscal sponsorship of an organization recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code.Municipal government entities, such as cities, townships, and villages.

Ineligibility

Who is ineligible?Private individualsOrganizations that discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, or sexual orientationFor-profit organizationsWe are unable or unlikely to consider requests for support of activities such aslobbying
general fundraising events
budget deficitsWe generally do not sponsor events or conferences, buy tickets or tables, contribute to capital projects or campaigns, advertise fund-raising events, or fund research or sabbaticals. We generally do not provide scholarship support. Grants may not be used for political purposes.