Mission/ Giving Statement: Lannan Foundation is a family foundation dedicated to cultural freedom, diversity and creativity through projects which support exceptional contemporary artists and writers, as well as inspired Native activists in rural indigenous communities. The foundation recognizes the profound and often unquantifiable value of the creative process and is willing to take risks and make substantial investments in ambitious and experimental thinking. Understanding that globalization threatens all cultures and ecosystems, the foundation is particularly interested in projects that encourage freedom of inquiry, imagination, and expression.
Grantmaking Program Areas: Arts; Literary; Indigenous Community Projects; Cultural Freedom
Grantmaking Program Area Descriptions:
Arts: To encourage the creativity of contemporary artists, foster serious discussion of contemporary art, and bring new and sometimes experimental works of art to a wide audience, funding has been provided to organizations for exhibitions, scholarly publications, residency programs, and special projects.
Literary: To increase public appreciation, understanding, and support for contemporary literature in the English language. Established in 1987, grants are made primarily in support of nonprofit publishers, literary centers, and organizations that bring innovative writers, poets, and thinkers to a wider audience.
Indigenous Communities: The program has provided support to Native Americans in their resolve to renew their communities through their own institutions and traditions. Funding priority is given to rural indigenous projects that are consistent with traditional values in the areas of education, Native cultures, the revival and preservation of languages, legal rights, and environmental protection.
Cultural Freedom: Focused on special cultural projects and ideas that promote and protect cultural freedom, diversity, and creativity.
Type of Funding/ Funding Restrictions: The Foundation recognizes that significant projects require time and a variety of resources to accomplish their goals. Therefore, it will consider multi-year requests for funding of project costs, operating costs, technical assistance, and collaborative activities that build organizational strength and community capacity. Funds are not available for documentary film or video projects, performing arts or theater or crafts or decorative arts. Loans or grants are not available to individuals or organizations supporting activities intended directly or indirectly to support candidates for political office or to influence legislation.
Application Instructions: The Foundation invites LOIs but rarely funds unsolicitied requests. LOI instructions available online.
