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.

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

a white man's arm titled to his head offscreen

2024 Grant Decision Update

August 1, 2024

For all our grantees awaiting decisions, You may have been wondering if the proposal you submitted to The Puffin Foundation was still under consideration. Rest assured that it is, and that the delay in our review process does not decrease the likelihood of your receiving an award from us. We Read More

A graphic of silhouette Black Americans in front of a red, yellow, and green design

Puffin Closed for Juneteenth

June 18, 2024

Dear Puffin People, The Puffin Cultural Forum will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday 6/19 in observance of Juneteenth. Our offices will reopen on Thursday, 6/20. We hope you have a wonderful holiday! -The Puffin Staff As Puffin acknowledges Juneteenth, we commemorate past triumphs while acknowledging the current obstacles. Furthermore, we pledge Read More

Photograph shows Shirley Chisholm smiling at microphone.

Changing The Face of Democracy: Shirley Chisholm at 100

June 3, 2024

To commemorate the centennial of the birth of Shirley Chisholm (1924 – 2005), The Museum of the City of New York, in collaboration with The Shirley Chisholm Project at Brooklyn College, will present a major exhibition detailing her life and legacy. At this Puffin-supported exhibition, attendees will get a firsthand Read More

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