Supporting the arts, human services, the built & natural environment in NYC

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3 applications a year: human services • environmental & preservation • 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: Human Services (January), Environmental & Preservation (April), and Arts (September). 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 and Advisory Council. You will be notified if your organization has been nominated for a Discretionary Award.

Helpful Information

Looking to submit an application? All application materials are accepted via our grant portal.

The grant portal login page lists the application deadlines for each grant cycle. (Note that if a deadline falls on a weekend or a holiday, it is extended to the following business day at 5 pm.) Please review all information on the grant portal login page carefully.

Important Dates

2026 Human Services Cycle
December 15, 2025 – January 15, 2026 Application Open
January 15, 2026 5:00 PM EST Application Deadline
January – February 2026 Proposal Review & Applicants Contacted
April 2026 Grantees Announced

Grant Cycles & Deadlines

Updated Arts Eligibility Criteria

Given an overwhelming number of applications in recent years, Lily Auchincloss Foundation has narrowed the scope of its arts grants.

Please carefully review the eligibility criteria on the page linked below.

Eligibility

Looking to submit a final report? No final reports are required! Please review our FAQ page for more detailed information.

FAQs

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