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Puffin Foundation Ltd

Annual Giving
$2.5M
Grant Range
$1K - $0.0M
Decision Time
7mo

Puffin Foundation Ltd

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $2-3 million
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: 6-8 months
  • Grant Range: $1,000 - $5,000 (typically $2,500)
  • Geographic Focus: National (US), with emphasis on New York/New Jersey metro area

Contact Details

Overview

Founded in 1983 by Perry and Gladys Rosenstein, the Puffin Foundation Ltd is a progressive grant-making organization dedicated to amplifying the voices of artists and activists whose work might otherwise go unnoticed due to their race, gender, or social philosophy. With annual giving of approximately $2-3 million, the foundation operates from its headquarters in Teaneck, New Jersey, and maintains the Puffin Cultural Forum, a public gallery and performance space. The foundation's mission centers on supporting emerging artists and small organizations that are often excluded from mainstream opportunities, with a particular focus on art for social justice and projects that encourage open communication and expression of diverse viewpoints.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

  • General Grants: $1,000 - $5,000 (most grants average $2,500)

    • Open to individual artists and small organizations
    • Rolling application basis with quarterly review cycles
    • Focus on projects with social justice themes

  • Puffin/Nation Institute Investigative Fund: Up to $10,000

    • Supports investigative journalism projects
    • Partnership with The Nation Institute
    • Separate application process

Priority Areas

  • Art and activism that addresses social justice issues
  • Projects by emerging artists from underrepresented communities
  • Civil liberties and civil rights initiatives
  • Environmental justice projects
  • Community-based arts programs
  • Documentary film and photography with social impact
  • Theater and performance art addressing contemporary issues
  • Music programs serving underserved populations

What They Don't Fund

  • General operating expenses (unless directly tied to a specific project)
  • Capital campaigns or building funds
  • Academic research without community engagement component
  • International projects (primarily funds US-based work)
  • Religious activities
  • For-profit ventures

Governance and Leadership

The foundation was established by Perry Rosenstein, a successful manufacturer who, along with his wife Gladys, wanted to support artists whose work challenges the status quo. The foundation continues to be family-run, with the Rosenstein family maintaining active involvement in grant decisions. The foundation also operates the Puffin Cultural Forum in Teaneck, which serves as a community space for exhibitions, performances, and educational programs.

Key leadership philosophy includes the belief that "art is a powerful tool for social change" and that "the arts are not a luxury but a necessity in the struggle for social justice."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the foundation's online portal at puffinfoundation.org. The foundation uses a straightforward application process:

  1. Create an account on the online portal
  2. Complete the application form with project details
  3. Upload required supporting materials (work samples, budget, timeline)
  4. Submit by quarterly deadlines

Pre-application inquiries can be directed to grants@puffinfoundation.org, though the foundation encourages applicants to review guidelines thoroughly before reaching out.

Decision Timeline

  • Applications reviewed quarterly
  • Decisions typically made within 6-8 months of submission
  • Notifications sent via email
  • Funded projects must be completed within 18 months of award

Success Rates

Specific success rates are not publicly disclosed, but the foundation indicates they receive thousands of applications annually and fund several hundred projects each year.

Reapplication Policy

Unsuccessful applicants may reapply after 12 months. Previously funded organizations must wait 24 months from their last grant award date before applying for new funding.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's stated priorities and funded projects:

  • Clear Social Justice Connection: Projects must articulate how they advance social justice, civil rights, or address inequality
  • Community Impact: Demonstrate direct benefit to underserved or marginalized communities
  • Artistic Merit Combined with Activism: Show how artistic excellence serves the social mission
  • Realistic Budget: Most successful applications request between $2,000-$3,000
  • Local Grassroots Focus: Foundation favors community-based projects over large institutional initiatives
  • Documentation of Past Work: Include strong work samples that demonstrate both artistic quality and social impact
  • Collaboration: Projects involving multiple community partners or cross-sector collaboration are viewed favorably

The foundation specifically looks for "projects that open doors for those whose voices are not always heard" and values "art that challenges accepted norms and inspires social change."

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Focus on the intersection of art and social justice - pure art or pure activism alone is less competitive
  • Keep grant requests modest ($2,500 average) - larger requests are rarely funded
  • Emphasize how your project serves communities traditionally excluded from mainstream funding
  • Demonstrate grassroots community connections rather than institutional backing
  • Include strong visual documentation or work samples that clearly show social impact
  • Be explicit about how your project challenges systemic inequities or amplifies marginalized voices
  • Consider timing applications for less competitive quarters (avoid year-end rush)

References

  • Puffin Foundation Official Website (https://www.puffinfoundation.org) - Accessed December 2024
  • Puffin Foundation Grant Guidelines and Application Portal - Accessed December 2024
  • Foundation Center/Candid Profile of Puffin Foundation Ltd
  • GuideStar Nonprofit Profile (EIN: 47-1164496)
  • Various grant recipient announcements and project profiles from foundation website
  • Puffin Cultural Forum programs and exhibitions information
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