Types of Grants

Lily Auchincloss Foundation has two types of funding: grants and discretionary awards. Foundation grants are by application. Discretionary awards are by nomination only. Please read the information below in detail to familiarize yourself with the funding categories, cycles and deadlines.

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 typically supports small to mid-size organizations throughout the five boroughs of New York City.

The Foundation provides both general operating support and program support.

Foundation Grants

Lily Auchincloss Foundation grant categories have seasonal cycles and application deadlines that occur once per year:
Human Services (January)
Environmental/Preservation (April)
Arts (September)
Educational organizations should apply under one of the other categories based on the organization’s mission and program content.

We encourage organizations interested in applying for funding to read our mission and eligibility criteria. Applicants may also review past grantees to understand the organizations, programs and grant amounts the Foundation currently funds.

Please note that if a deadline falls on a weekend or a holiday, the deadline is extended to the following business day at 5pm. You can always find the current grant cycle’s deadline on the home page of the Foundation’s grant management database portal.

Environmental/Preservation Grants (formerly called Preservation/Environment)

The Environmental/Preservation grant cycle is open to organizations whose mission relates to the preservation and history of New York City’s built and natural environment. We welcome your application for programs related to parks and gardens, waterways, environmental education, advocacy, and preservation.

Environmental/Preservation grants are awarded in July. See important dates below:

Arts Grants

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 this 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.

Arts grants are awarded in December. See important dates below:

Human Services Grants

The Human Services cycle is open to organizations whose mission and services support prevention, social change, and education programs aimed at improving the quality of life for all New York City residents.

Human Services grants are awarded in April. See important dates below:

Discretionary Awards

Members of the Board of Directors, Advisory Council, and staff initiate these awards. The Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals for discretionary awards. Discretionary awards are subject to approval by the Board and are not renewable. You will be notified if your organization has been nominated for a discretionary award.