Guidelines

The Pierre and Tana Matisse Foundation awards program-specific grants to nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations serving the five boroughs of New York City. While the Foundation recognizes the importance of lifelong learning in the arts for all ages, priority is given to programs serving young people under age 18 and/or in grades PreK-12. Please note that the Foundation does not fund individuals, nor does it fund an organization’s operating expenses.

Arts and Arts Education Grants

The grant application process for new organizations is currently closed. Please check back in the fall of 2024 for updates. 

New organizations wishing to apply will be able to submit a Letter of Inquiry during one open period per year, typically from November to January, through the Foundation’s online portal. After the LOI deadline, submissions are carefully reviewed by Foundation staff and a selection of new applicants is invited to submit a full proposal. Please note that submissions received outside of this process will not be considered. 

Renewal application process:

Current grantee organizations will be contacted by Foundation staff with information about the renewal application process and guidelines. 

Arts Education Impact Grants

Applications for this program are by invitation only. Each year, the Foundation identifies potential grant recipients through an internal research process centered on a chosen art discipline. Selected organizations are invited to submit proposals to be reviewed in a competitive process by a panel of arts education professionals to determine grant award(s). The Foundation does not accept or respond to unsolicited inquiries or applications for this program.

Arts Education Schools Choose Grants

Applications for this program are by invitation only. A cohort of grantee schools is selected every five years through an internal research process. The Foundation does not accept or respond to unsolicited inquiries or applications for this program.