The Rabkin Foundation can make grants only to U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Projects led by individuals or organizations without nonprofit status may be considered if they have an eligible fiscal sponsor at the time of application.

We support visual arts writing projects intended for broad public audiences, particularly those that engage critically with the visual arts and contribute to public understanding of art. We do have special interest in Maine-based projects and writing related to what has been historically called folk art. 

Our primary funding program is the Rabkin Prize, which honors excellence in visual arts journalism. When resources allow, we make a small number of project-based grants aligned with this mission.

Most grants range from $1,000 to $10,000. On occasion, larger awards may be made, but the majority of our grants fall within this range.

Grant inquiries are reviewed twice annually. Submission deadlines are April 1 and Oct. 1. Due to the volume of requests, we are not able to respond to all submissions. If we are interested in learning more or request additional information, we will reach out. This process may take several months.

The Foundation does not fund:

• Individuals without a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor

• Projects outside the field of arts writing or visual arts journalism

• Retroactive funding or completed projects

• General operating support (unless explicitly invited)

• Capital campaigns or major infrastructure projects

Due to limited staff capacity, we are not able to provide individualized feedback on submissions or declined requests.