Foundation Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What areas are not supported by the foundation?
The Luce Foundation does not directly support health care, medical projects, disaster relief or international development projects, or the performing arts.

Does the Luce Foundation make grants to individuals?
The foundation makes no grants directly to individuals, with the sole exception of the Luce Scholars Program. Grants to institutions sometimes support individuals through special initiatives such as the Clare Boothe Luce Program, the Henry Luce III Theology Fellows, and the Dissertation Fellowships in American Art.

Why are international grants restricted to East and Southeast Asia?
Henry W. Luce and Elizabeth R. Luce were missionaries and educators in China during the early twentieth century. Their four children, including Henry R. Luce, were born in China. Over the years, the Luce Foundation's programs have grown to include the Asia-Pacific region more broadly, that is, East and Southeast Asia.

What do we mean by "American art"?
"American art" includes visual art in the United States; specifically, scholarly study of American painting, sculpture, prints, drawings, decorative arts, photography, and architecture. The foundation's program focuses on the visual arts. It does not include the performing arts or grants for film or broadcast media.

How is "theological education" defined?
We concentrate mainly on graduate theological education through American seminaries and divinity schools. The foundation does not typically support religious studies at the undergraduate level.

What fields are included within the Clare Boothe Luce Program?
Support is provided for women in the "hard" sciences, i.e., chemistry, physics, computer science, mathematics, and engineering. The medical sciences are not included.

Where can I learn more about other foundations?
One very helpful source is The Foundation Center, an independent national organization that provides authoritative information on foundation and corporate giving. The Center's website has general information about funding and links to other foundation websites.