About the Open Call

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. 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.

What is Offered

Financial grants to support nonprofit organizations.

Requirements

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. The foundation does not participate in or provide support to any political campaigns. 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).

How to Apply

Apply for Vilcek Foundation grants. Nonprofit organizations meeting eligibility requirements are invited to submit applications by April 30, 2026. Register for the Grant Portal at https://portal.vilcek.org/grantportal/s/login/SelfRegister.