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Henry Luce Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$45.8M
Grant Range
$10K - $1.0M
Decision Time
4mo

Henry Luce Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $45.8 million (2023)
  • Assets: $1.1 billion
  • Decision Time: 3-4 months minimum
  • Grant Range: $10,000 - $1,000,000
  • Typical Grant: $150,000 (average)
  • Geographic Focus: US-based institutions (national)
  • Board Decision Meetings: Three times annually (March, June, November)

Contact Details

Address: 41 Madison Avenue, 27th Floor, New York, NY 10010

Phone: 212.489.7700

Fax: 212.581.9541

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://hluce.org/

Grant Inquiries: [email protected]

Portal Support: [email protected]

Overview

Established in 1936 by Henry R. Luce, co-founder and editor-in-chief of Time Inc. (publisher of Time, Fortune, and Life magazines), the Henry Luce Foundation was created as a tribute to his parents, who were missionaries to China. With over $1.1 billion in assets and annual giving of approximately $45.8 million (2023), the Foundation has awarded more than 5,800 grants totaling over $1 billion since its inception. Over half of all grant monies awarded have been to higher education institutions. The Foundation's mission is to share knowledge and build understanding to cultivate a healthy democratic culture and an equitable society. In 2024, the Foundation announced a significant $25 million increase in grantmaking over two years to support democratic institutions and civil society during challenging times. Jonathan Holloway, currently president of Rutgers University, has been appointed as the new President and CEO, effective October 1, 2025.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Foundation administers seven primary grant programs:

  • American Art: Supports projects that enhance public understanding and appreciation of American art in museums and universities. Does not fund performance art, film/documentaries, art creation, art purchases, or emerging artists. Recent example: Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum ($300,000).

  • Asia: Strengthens the field of Asia studies through Asia Responsive Grants and Special Initiatives. Includes support for research, teaching, and public engagement on Asian topics.

  • Democracy, Ethics and Public Trust: Awarded $4 million through 31 grants in 2024 (median: $129,000). Supports institutions creating equitable and accessible media and information ecosystems and fostering community participation in policy development. Recent examples: Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press ($1 million).

  • Indigenous Knowledge Initiative: Invests in culture bearers committed to sharing their work with communities and the public, and funds institutions preserving the resilience of Native America. Recent example: United South and Eastern Tribes, Inc. ($100,000).

  • Luce Scholars Program: Provides fellowships for professional internships in Asia for young American leaders. Individual fellowship program, not institutional grants.

  • Religion & Theology: Advances understanding of religion and theology through grants to seminaries, divinity schools, and research universities. Encourages interfaith understanding and theological scholarship.

  • Women in STEM: Two distinct programs:

    • Clare Boothe Luce (CBL) Program: One of the largest sources of private support for women in science, mathematics, and engineering in US higher education. Institutions may request up to $750,000 to use over five years. Does not accept medical, behavioral, or social sciences; no international study/travel programs.
    • STEM Convergence: Recent examples include Thrive Armenia Foundation ($95,000) and Stony Brook University ($100,000).

Grant amounts typically range from $10,000 to $1,000,000, with an average of approximately $150,000. Larger grants can approach $2 million.

Priority Areas

The Foundation's strategic priorities focus on:

  1. Nurture Knowledge Communities & Institutions: Supporting institutions and networks that advance knowledge
  2. Foster Dialogue Across Divides: Encouraging conversation and understanding across differences
  3. Enrich Public Discourse: Strengthening public conversation and civic engagement
  4. Amplify Diverse Voices: Elevating underrepresented perspectives
  5. Invest in Leadership Development: Building capacity for future leaders

The Foundation prioritizes grantmaking and partnership with organizations that clearly and robustly champion equity, diversity, and inclusion in their practices, leadership, staffing, and missions.

What They Don't Fund

General Exclusions:

  • Healthcare or medical initiatives
  • Disaster relief
  • International development projects
  • Political parties, political campaigns, or lobbyists
  • Political activities
  • Annual funds
  • Fundraising events
  • Endowments
  • Building campaigns
  • Direct grants to individuals (except Luce Scholars Program)

Program-Specific Exclusions:

  • American Art: Performance art, film, art creation, art purchases, emerging artists
  • Clare Boothe Luce: Medical, behavioral, and social sciences; international study/travel; hiring new faculty; aid to students not already receiving support

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors

Co-Chairs:

  • Terrence B. Adamson (2022-present)
  • Debra S. Knopman (2022-present)

Board Members:

  • Joanne Berger-Sweeney (Hartford, CT)
  • Andrew Blau (Oakland, CA)
  • Elizabeth Broun (Bethesda, MD)
  • Sewell Chan (New York, NY)
  • Kevin Gover (Alexandria, VA)
  • Radhika Shroff (New York, NY)
  • Ian H. Solomon (Charlottesville, VA)
  • Pauline Yu (New York, NY)

Former Chair: Margaret Boles Fitzgerald (2002-2022)

Executive Leadership

Jonathan Holloway - President and CEO (effective October 1, 2025). Currently president of Rutgers University. Holloway stated: "At this challenging time in our nation, the Luce Foundation's efforts are more imperative than ever. I am eager to work with the Foundation's dedicated staff and Board toward a healthy democratic culture and an equitable society."

Sarah E. Baker - Chief Legal Officer and Chief of Staff

Brian Murphy - Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Sean Buffington - Vice President of Programs (served as interim president September 2024 - October 2025)

Jacquelynn Osoro - Chief Communications Officer

Michael Gilligan - President Emeritus

Program Directors

  • Yuting Li - Program Director, Asia
  • Aida Gureghian - Program Director, Leadership
  • Raymond Foxworth - Program Director, Indigenous Knowledge Initiative
  • Jonathan VanAntwerpen - Program Director, Religion and Theology

The organization employs approximately 30 staff members.

Quote from Former President Mariko Silver: "The great privilege I enjoy as the president of the Henry Luce Foundation is observing the disparate but interlocking efforts of this evolving and expanding network, which continues to fight for a more just and equitable world with equal parts wisdom, creativity, and grit."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Foundation uses a two-phase application process through an online portal:

Phase 1: Concept Note

  1. Create an account on the online portal at https://hluce.org/apply-for-a-grant/
  2. Review program guidelines thoroughly before applying
  3. Complete and submit the concept note form
  4. Receive automatic confirmation email
  5. All concept notes are reviewed within 8 weeks of submission

Phase 2: Invited Proposals

  1. Selected applicants will be invited to submit detailed proposals through the online portal
  2. Only invited applicants may submit full proposals
  3. An invitation is not required to submit a concept note

Important Notes:

  • Due to high interest levels, pre-application meetings with the Luce team are not possible
  • Use the concept note as an introduction and summary of your project
  • The Foundation only awards grants to institutions (except Luce Scholars Program)
  • Grants typically made to US-based 501(c)(3) organizations or international equivalents

Decision Timeline

  • Concept Note Review: Within 8 weeks of submission
  • Full Process: Minimum 3-4 months from concept note to decision
  • Board Meetings: Three times annually (March, June, November)
  • Notification: Via email

The Foundation presents recommended proposals to the board of directors for consideration at their tri-annual meetings.

Success Rates

Specific success rate data is not publicly available. However, the Foundation operates a highly competitive selection process, with only selected concept notes invited to submit full proposals. According to internal sources, "Excellent work is what wins grants here, as well as the changing winds of what's popular to research in its interest areas."

Reapplication Policy

Unsuccessful applicants may reapply for the same grant once per year. Applicants are informed about their application status via email within 8-12 weeks after concept note submission.

Application Success Factors

Foundation Guidance to Applicants

Essential Preparation:

  • "Do not apply for a grant until you've thoroughly reviewed the goals and guidelines for the program you're interested in."
  • "Please carefully review all application guidelines before seeking funding."
  • Use your concept note as an introduction and summary of your project, as pre-application meetings are not available

Alignment with Values: The Foundation prioritizes organizations that "clearly and robustly champion equity, diversity, and inclusion in their practices, leadership, staffing, and missions." Demonstrate commitment to these values throughout your application.

Strategic Priorities: Successful applications align with the Foundation's five strategic priorities: nurturing knowledge communities, fostering dialogue across divides, enriching public discourse, amplifying diverse voices, and investing in leadership development.

Mission Alignment: The Foundation seeks "projects that put knowledge in the hands of those who will use it to build a more just, equitable and compassionate society." Clearly articulate how your project advances this mission.

What Wins Grants

According to foundation observers, "Excellent work is what wins grants here, as well as the changing winds of what's popular to research in its interest areas." Focus on:

  • Quality and rigor of the proposed work
  • Clear alignment with current program priorities
  • Demonstrated capacity to execute the project
  • Evidence of institutional commitment to equity and inclusion
  • Innovation and potential for significant impact

Recent Funding Examples

Understanding what the Foundation has recently funded can help tailor applications:

  • American Art: Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum ($300,000); Munson ($75,000)
  • Democracy, Ethics and Public Trust: Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press ($1 million)
  • Indigenous Knowledge: United South and Eastern Tribes, Inc. ($100,000)
  • STEM Convergence: Thrive Armenia Foundation ($95,000); Stony Brook University ($100,000); HERS ($300,000)
  • Religion & Theology: Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum ($25,000); The Urban Institute ($25,000)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  1. Two-Phase Process: Begin with a strong concept note—this is your opportunity to make a first impression without pre-application meetings available. Only selected applicants advance to full proposals.

  2. Strategic Alignment Is Critical: Ensure your project clearly advances the Foundation's mission to share knowledge and build understanding for a healthy democratic culture and an equitable society. Demonstrate alignment with their five strategic priorities.

  3. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Matter: The Foundation explicitly prioritizes organizations that champion EDI in their practices, leadership, staffing, and missions. Make this commitment visible and concrete in your application.

  4. Know Your Program Restrictions: Each program has specific exclusions—review carefully. Medical initiatives, political activities, endowments, and building campaigns are universally excluded.

  5. Plan for Timeline: Allow minimum 3-4 months from concept note to decision. Board meets three times yearly (March, June, November), so time your submission accordingly.

  6. Excellence and Relevance Win: Success depends on excellent work quality and alignment with current research interests in your field. Stay informed about evolving priorities in your program area.

  7. Reapplication Is Welcome: Unsuccessful applicants may reapply once per year for the same grant—use feedback to strengthen future submissions.

References

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