The Luce Foundation pursues its mission through individual grant-making programs. Each program has unique goals and specific guidelines that differ from those of the other programs. A prospective grantee interested in a particular program should visit that program’s section on this website to learn about its goals and guidelines before submitting a concept note.
All of the programs accept unsolicited requests, which we call concept notes; these concept notes may be submitted at any time. Several programs also sponsor competitions. Such competitions often have special rules and specific deadlines. Details like these are explained in each program’s section on the website.
Below, you will find information about eligibility requirements for all grantees, irrespective of the program to which they are applying, and about the application process. Please read these sections and the program-specific guidelines carefully before beginning the application process.
All concept notes and proposals must be submitted through our on-line portal.
General Eligibility Requirements and Restrictions
- The Foundation's Clare Boothe Luce (CBL) Program has very specific eligibility requirements. Please review the CBL guidelines carefully before applying.
- Grants are made only to institutions and cannot be made directly to individuals, with the sole exception of the Luce Scholars Program; however, individuals may seek funding from Luce-supported programs administered by other organizations.
- An organization that has an active grant from one of the Foundation's programs should contact the program director before applying for a second grant from that same program. There is no prohibition against an organization with an active grant from one program applying for a grant from a different program.
- Typically, grants are made to U.S. not-for-profit organizations or their international equivalents.
- The Foundation does not support healthcare, medical, disaster relief, or international development projects.
- The Foundation does not provide support to political parties or political campaigns, or for lobbying or other political activities.
- The Foundation does not contribute to annual funds, fundraising events, endowments, or building campaigns.
General Application Process
- Review the relevant program's goals and particular guidelines.
- Create an account on our online portal and complete the concept note form. If you have difficulty registering for the portal or submitting the form through the portal, please contact the grants administrator at grants@hluce.org.
- You will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt after submitting a concept note. Concept notes will be acted upon within eight weeks of submission. Applicants are encouraged to reach out to the relevant Program Director by email with any specific questions or concerns during the application process.
- Following review by Foundation program staff, selected applicants will be invited to submit detailed proposals through our online portal. If you have difficulty registering for the portal or submitting a proposal through the portal, please contact the grants administrator at grants@hluce.org.
- Recommended proposals will be presented to the Foundation’s board of directors for consideration three times each year—in March, June, and November. The concept note review and proposal development process generally take 3 to 4 months, and can take longer, so institutions should plan accordingly.