Deadline: 01-Mar-2026
The Samuel H. Kress Foundation Conservation Grants Program supports nonprofit institutions advancing the professional practice of art conservation, with a focus on European works from antiquity through the early 19th century. Grants fund projects that generate and share specialized conservation knowledge, including research, publications, databases, exhibitions, and professional exchanges. Applications are submitted by eligible 501(c)3 institutions through a Letter of Inquiry, followed by an invited full proposal.
Program Overview
The Samuel H. Kress Foundation invites applications to its Conservation Grants Program, which supports the advancement of art conservation practice and scholarship.
The program prioritizes projects related to European works of art from antiquity to the early 19th century, emphasizing research, documentation, dissemination of knowledge, and professional exchange within the conservation field.
Program Purpose and Scope
The Conservation Grants Program is designed to strengthen the field of art conservation by supporting projects that:
- Create new, specialized conservation knowledge
- Preserve and document materials, techniques, and historical context
- Share expertise with professional and public audiences
- Advance technical, scientific, and scholarly understanding of European art
The program supports both research-driven and practice-oriented initiatives that contribute to long-term capacity building in conservation.
Types of Projects Funded
Grants are awarded to a wide range of conservation-focused activities, including the creation, documentation, and dissemination of specialized knowledge.
Knowledge Creation and Dissemination
Eligible project types include:
- Archival research and documentation projects
- Development and dissemination of scholarly databases
- Technical and scientific studies related to art conservation
- Scholarly publications and research reports
- Conservation-focused exhibitions and exhibition publications
Professional Exchange and Knowledge Sharing
The program also funds activities that enable conservators and conservation scientists to share expertise with peers and the public, such as:
- International exchanges and consultations
- Professional meetings, conferences, and symposia
- Presentation of conservation research
- Exhibitions with a strong focus on materials, methods, and techniques
- Other professional events that advance conservation practice
Conservation Treatment Support
Support for hands-on conservation treatments is generally limited to works from the distributed Kress Collection.
Such treatment-related support is typically coordinated through the Kress Program in Paintings Conservation at the Conservation Center of the New York University Institute of Fine Arts.
Applicants proposing treatment projects should ensure alignment with these guidelines before submitting a Letter of Inquiry.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Eligible Institutions
Funding is available exclusively to nonprofit institutions that meet the following criteria:
- Hold 501(c)3 tax-exempt status in the United States, or
- Are supporting foundations of European institutions, or
- Are foreign institutions that have received recognition of exemption from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service
Important Eligibility Notes
- Grants are not awarded directly to individuals
- Projects may be carried out by an individual or a team
- All applications must be submitted by an eligible institution
Grant Cycles and Review Process
Conservation grant applications are reviewed and awarded during three annual grant cycles each year.
Proposals are evaluated by the Foundation based on alignment with program priorities, scholarly merit, feasibility, and contribution to the conservation field.
Application Process: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI)
The application process begins with the submission of a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) through the Foundation’s online grantmaking portal.
Eligible institutions must first register for portal access.
The LOI includes:
- A brief project summary
- The total project budget
- The amount of funding requested from the Foundation
Step 2: Invitation to Submit a Full Application
Organizations selected to move forward are notified by email within seven business days of the LOI deadline.
Only invited applicants may submit a full grant proposal.
Step 3: Submit the Full Grant Application
The full application requires:
- A detailed description of the project’s main goals
- Project history, if applicable
- Description of key activities and methodology
- Identification of personnel overseeing the project
- Anticipated outcomes and deliverables
- A detailed project budget
- Proof of 501(c)3 tax-exempt status
Additional supporting materials may be requested depending on the project type.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting applications from individuals rather than institutions
- Proposing projects outside the European art historical scope
- Requesting treatment funding for non-Kress Collection works
- Submitting incomplete Letters of Inquiry
- Underestimating the importance of knowledge dissemination
Why This Program Matters
Art conservation plays a critical role in preserving cultural heritage and advancing historical understanding.
By supporting rigorous research, documentation, and professional exchange, the Kress Foundation strengthens conservation practice and ensures that knowledge about European art materials and techniques is preserved and shared across generations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply for the Kress Conservation Grants Program?
Only nonprofit institutions with eligible 501(c)3 status or recognized IRS exemption may apply.
2. Are individuals allowed to apply directly?
No. Individuals may participate in projects, but applications must be submitted by eligible institutions.
3. What types of art are supported?
The program focuses on European works of art from antiquity through the early 19th century.
4. Does the program fund conservation treatments?
Treatment funding is generally limited to works from the distributed Kress Collection and is coordinated through NYU’s Institute of Fine Arts.
5. How many grant cycles are offered each year?
The Foundation reviews and awards conservation grants during three annual cycles.
6. What is required for the initial application stage?
Applicants must submit a Letter of Inquiry outlining the project summary, budget, and requested amount.
7. How are applicants notified after submitting an LOI?
Invited applicants are notified by email within seven business days of the LOI deadline.
Conclusion
The Samuel H. Kress Foundation Conservation Grants Program offers critical support for nonprofit institutions advancing the theory and practice of art conservation. Through funding for research, documentation, professional exchange, and knowledge dissemination, the program helps preserve Europe’s artistic heritage while strengthening the global conservation community.
For more information, visit Samuel H. Kress Foundation.
