About Us

The Puffin Foundation, Ltd. has sought to open the doors of artistic expression by providing grants to artists and art organizations who are often excluded from mainstream opportunities due to their race, gender, or social philosophy.

Why the Puffin?

The Puffin, once endangered in the northeastern United States, was returned to its native habitats through the efforts of a concerned citizenry. Our name is a metaphor for how we perceive our mission in the arts: to join with other concerned groups and individuals to ensure that the arts not merely survive, but flourish at all levels of our society.

Perry Rosenstein, the founder and president of The Puffin Foundation and Puffin Cultural Forum, passed away on 4/3/20 from COVID-19. We invite you to share your memories, stories, and reflections on this Facebook page, and to enjoy those shared by others. Perry Rosenstein: A Life and Times Memorial.

Our Grantees

Special Projects

Gallery for Social Activism

A People’s History of Struggle at the Museum of the City of NY
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Opens 4 Feb, 2020

Puffin Prize for Creative Citizenship

Supporting visionaries who challenge the status quo
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Opens 4 Feb, 2020

ALBA/Puffin Award for Human Rights Activism

Honoring International Champions of Human Rights
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Opens 4 Feb, 2020

Investigative Journalism

Helping Make Journalism that Matters Possible MORE INFO

Opens 4 Feb, 2020

Puffin Cultural Forum

Fostering a dialogue of art, issues & community
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Opens 4 Feb, 2020

More Special Projects

 

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Opens 4 Feb, 2020

News & Blog

New York Gardens Bring Free Programming to Local Communities

September 25, 2023

In 2022 and 2023, The Puffin Foundation supported several initiatives to bring free programming and events to community gardens in New York City, including educational workshops, art making, theater, and musical performances.  Kelly Street Garden Photos via KellyStreetGarden.org Kelly Street Garden brings healthy food and free programming to its local Read More

Grantee Focus: Labor and Workers’ Rights Related Grants 

September 4, 2023

Labor Day is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the hard-won and profoundly impactful changes wrought by the American labor movement, beginning in the 19th century and continuing into the present day.  The Puffin Cultural Forum will be mounting an exhibition of photos entitled “We Are One,” which documents the Read More

International Overdose Awareness Day

August 31, 2023

On International Overdose Awareness Day, we want to acknowledge the horrific impact of drug overdoses, in particular those involving opioids, and share some resources that we’ve found helpful, as individuals, to help combat this crisis. You can save a life by carrying Naloxone (Narcan), a safe, effective, easy-to-administer opioid reversal drug. Read More

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