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

Happy Presidents Day text in font of an ameican flag and a cartoon puffin with an uncle sam hat

Puffin Closed for President’s Day

February 14, 2025

Happy Presidents’ Day! The Puffin Foundation and Puffin Cultural Forum will be closed for the holiday on Monday, 2/17. We will reopen on Tuesday, 2/18. Have a great Read More

Puffin Prize Nominations Are Now Open!

January 31, 2025

The Puffin Foundation and Type Media are pleased to announce that the 2024 nomination window is now open for the The Puffin Prize for Creative Citizenship, a $100,000 award given to an individual or organization that challenges the status quo through courageous, distinctive, and socially responsible work. Nominations are due Read More

Cecile is a blonde middle aged woman (in this photo) with a short haircut and smiling in profile

Remembering Cecile Richards

January 21, 2025

The Puffin Foundation mourns the death of Cecile Richards. Best known for her steadfast leadership at Planned Parenthood, Ms. Richards was a lifelong campaigner for civil rights, from her beginnings as a labor organizer to her mobilization of women voters later in life. Her resolute commitment to equity embodies the Read More

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