About Us

The Puffin Foundation, Ltd. seeks 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 identities or social philosophies.

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.

Our Grantees

Special Projects

Gallery for Social Activism

The Puffin Gallery for Social Activism at the Museum of the City of New York
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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
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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

Juneteenth Hours

June 19, 2025

Happy Juneteenth! Puffin Cultural Forum, The Puffin Foundation, and Puffin Brooklyn will be closed today, Thursday 6/19 in observance of the holiday. Our offices will reopen tomorrow, Friday 6/20. For our local Read More

three puffins in a field of yellow flowers

2025 Film/Video & Theater Grant Notification Update

April 29, 2025

As we approach the end of April, we wanted to share an update regarding the status of grant proposals. We are a bit behind schedule, but rest assured that your proposal is still under consideration, and that the delay in our review process does not decrease the likelihood of your Read More

2024 Puffin Prize Honoring Kica Matos!

April 18, 2025

The Puffin Foundation and Type Media Center are pleased to announce Kica Matos,  President of the National Immigration Law Center and the Immigrant Justice Fund, as the recipient of The Puffin Prize for Creative Citizenship. The Puffin Foundation and Type Media Center are the mutual sponsors of the award, which is given annually to an Read More

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