Supporting the arts, human services, & environment in NYC

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3 applications a year: winter-human services spring-environmental fall-arts

When to Apply

Helping to enhance the quality of life in NYC for over 20 years

About Us

Founded in 1997, the mission of Lily Auchincloss Foundation (LAF) is to provide grants to enrich the quality of life in New York City.

Lily Auchincloss Foundation envisions a more affordable and vibrant New York City. The Foundation aims to enrich the lives of New Yorkers through grants in support of the arts, the built and natural environments, and human services. The Foundation provides Foundation Grants and Discretionary Awards.

As of September 1, 2020, our office is fully remote and can no longer accept mail. To contact us, please visit Get in Touch.

Foundation Grants

There are three categories of Foundation Grants — each category has its own cycle and application deadline that occurs once per year: the Spring Cycle for Environmental, the Fall Cycle for the Arts, and the Winter Cycle for Human Services. Learn more here.

Before a cycle opens, we encourage you to browse a sample application and review our eligibility criteria. You may also find some helpful information in our FAQs.

How To Apply

Discretionary Awards

Discretionary Awards are by nomination only by members of the Board of Directors. You will be notified if your organization has been nominated for a Discretionary Award.

Announcements

Lily Auchincloss Foundation’s office is now fully remote. We are no longer able to receive mail. We still love hearing from you! Please reach us by phone or email.

get in touch

Please note that Lily Auchincloss Foundation has narrowed the scope of its Arts Grants.

Given an overwhelming number of applications in recent years, the Foundation will focus its arts funding on organizations providing the experiences and services described below. Please review the information carefully to assess your eligibility.

Lily Auchincloss Foundation recognizes the arts as an essential component of life in New York City. Arts and culture enhance our lives in countless ways, subtle and profound. The Foundation’s Arts Grants support organizations that help to make the city affordable and welcoming for audiences and for artists.

Organizations may request general operating support or program support in the following areas:

1. Access for Audiences
Lily Auchincloss Foundation funds organizations with a history (3+ years) of providing FREE exhibitions, performances, and events that welcome audiences to take part in arts-based experiences, including arts education programs.

2. Access for Artists
Lily Auchincloss Foundation funds organizations providing artists with FREE AND LOW-COST professional support, including studio space, specialized equipment and workshops (i.e. papermaking, glass-making facilities, printmaking studios), and career services.

Looking to submit an application? All application materials are accepted via our grant portal according to the grant cycle calendar. Note that if a deadline falls on a weekend or a holiday, it is extended to the following business day at 5pm.

The application for the Winter 2025 Human Services Cycle will open on December 15, 2024 and close on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at 5 PM EST.

The Fall 2024 Arts cycle closed on Monday, September 16.

The Spring 2024 Environmental cycle closed on Friday, March 15.

The Winter 2024 Human Services cycle closed on Wednesday, January 17.