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

alba and puffin logo

2025 ALBA/Puffin Human Rights Award: Call for Applications

September 23, 2024

The ALBA/Puffin Human Rights Award is an annual prize of $100,000 presented by the Abraham Lincoln Brigade Archives and the Puffin Foundation. It is dedicated to the activist tradition of the U.S. volunteers who joined the International Brigades to fight in the Spanish Civil War to stem the rise of fascism. Read More

Remembering Peter N. Carroll (1943-2024)

September 18, 2024

Peter N. Carroll was our dear friend and a trusted advisor to The Puffin Foundation for decades. His knowledge and guidance shaped some of our most important initiatives, including the ALBA/Puffin Prize, The Puffin Prize for Creative Citizenship, and the Puffin Gallery of Social Activism at MCNY. A scholar, a poet, and Read More

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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

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