Vilcek Foundation to Award $200,000 in Grants to Nonprofits Uplifting Immigrant Contributions
The foundation invites grant applications from mission-aligned nonprofit organizations in the arts and sciences by April 30, 2026.
As cuts to federal grantmaking continue to cause deep rifts in operating and project funding across the nonprofit sector, private funders and stewards of mission-driven work are in high demand. In 2025, the Vilcek Foundation launched an open call for grant applications, coinciding with this increased need. This new initiative furthered the organization’s overall grant-giving, expanding its mission as it celebrates its 25th anniversary.
The foundation is currently seeking applications for the 2026 Vilcek Foundation Grants, now in its second annual cycle. Eligible nonprofit organizations that uplift and celebrate immigrant contributions to the arts, sciences, culture, and society through their programs and operations are encouraged to apply for grants of up to $20,000 by April 30.
Since its establishment 25 years ago, the Vilcek Foundation has sought to sustainably increase the scale of its impact while remaining true to its mission: to celebrate immigrant contributions in the United States and foster appreciation for the arts and sciences.
“A primary goal of this grantmaking is to diversify our funding impact and make ourselves accessible, while developing partnerships with institutions in all 50 states, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands,” says Chief Programs Officer Shinnie Kim.
Since awarding its first grants in 2001, the foundation has provided nearly $7.6 million in funding and contributions to nonprofit organizations in 32 states and Guam. Recent grants have supported programs and initiatives at Utah State University, the Mint Museum of Art, Graywolf Press, Cincinnati Opera, and Cinema Tropical that are led by — or elevate — immigrant artists and thought leaders. Funding has supported programs spanning bold exhibitions and installations to theater workshops that center Asian American and Pacific Islanders, and professional development for immigrant and refugee farmers.
“We see our grants as investments in organizations that set themselves apart from others in their sector through unique approaches and bold, creative outputs,” says Grants Officer Liz Boylan. “The ideal grant recipient achieves outcomes that have a meaningful impact on the communities and constituents they serve, and that align with the Vilcek Foundation’s overall mission.”
Nonprofit organizations interested in applying for a 2026 Vilcek Foundation Grant must register and submit their application through the foundation’s grant portal by 11:59 pm (ET) on April 30, 2026.
For full eligibility requirements and application details, visit vilcek.org.
