Grantmaking is a vital part of how the Vilcek Foundation pursues its mission: to recognize and celebrate immigrant contributions in the United States, and to foster appreciation for the arts and sciences more broadly.
The Vilcek Foundation invites applications from mission-driven nonprofit organizations that have a specific focus on supporting immigrants in the arts, sciences, education, or through the provision of social services. We invest in organizations that take a creative approach to putting their mission into action and prioritize the development of unique projects and operations that effectively achieve meaningful goals. The ideal grant recipient creates outputs, provides services, or serves populations in an innovative way that sets them apart from other organizations.
The foundation also awards a limited number of Institutional and Discretionary Grants each year, which are identified and initiated directly by the Vilcek Foundation.
Application Details
The foundation is currently accepting applications for our 2026 Vilcek Foundation Grants. The updated deadline to apply is April 30, 2026.
Please sign up for our mailing list for news and updates on all our grants, programs, and events. If you have questions regarding the Vilcek Foundation’s grantmaking, please contact us at grants@vilcek.org.
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for a grant:
- An organization must be a nonprofit organization operating under U.S. IRC Section 501(c)(3).
- An organization must be based in the United States or U.S. territories.
- An organization’s activities and expenditures must primarily be based in the United States or U.S. territories.
- An organization must abide by all laws and regulations governing nonprofit organizations under IRC Section 501(c)(3) in the United States.
- An organization must be in good standing and hold tax-exempt status with the IRS.
- An organization must be able to provide the following documents:
- Signed W-9 with a valid EIN for the organization
- IRS determination letter
- A recent Form 990, Form 990-PF, Form 990-EZ, or Form 990-N
- An audited financial statement
- Annual operating budget and proposal budget when applicable
Restrictions
- The foundation does not award grants to organizations working with fiscal sponsors.
- The foundation does not award grants in support of scientific research.
- The foundation does not award grants in support of capital projects or campaigns.
- The foundation does not award grants to organizations seeking support to cover the costs of galas, award ceremonies, or other events primarily intended as fundraisers.
- The foundation does not award grants to K-12 schools or to charter schools. While we recognize the significant need for arts program support in schools, this is not our current focus or area of expertise.
- The foundation does not participate in or provide support to any political campaigns on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for elective public office.
- The foundation does not offer renewals on grants; all grants awarded by the foundation are intended as one-time, non-renewable awards.
- The foundation requires a two-cycle waiting period before past Vilcek Foundation grantees may reapply (e.g., a 2025 grantee may reapply in 2028).
Impact and Focus
The Vilcek Foundation’s grants empower nonprofits to expand their reach, engage diverse audiences, and advance their missions. We are committed to partnering with organizations that take an original and creative approach in their work, and are dedicated to the communities and causes they serve.
“Partnering with the Vilcek Foundation has deeply enriched HIFF’s Film Festival, enabling us to celebrate the rich cultural contributions of immigrant artists in film. The program continues to grow in popularity and deepen in impact each year—bringing together immigrants from across the nation to showcase their stories, art, and influence with our audiences and create bonds and networks between different communities. It is an absolute pleasure to partner with the Vilcek Foundation and their passionate, intelligent, and supportive team.”
Beckie Stocchetti, Hawai’i International Film Festival
Nonprofit institutions play a vital role in enriching communities, advancing knowledge, and providing critical cultural resources. The Vilcek Foundation is dedicated to supporting grants that enable organizations to thrive and have a lasting impact on society.