About Us

The Puffin Foundation, Ltd. seeks to open the doors of artistic expression by providing grants to artists and art organizations who are often excluded from mainstream opportunities due to their identities or social philosophies.

Why the Puffin?

The Puffin, once endangered in the northeastern United States, was returned to its native habitats through the efforts of a concerned citizenry. Our name is a metaphor for how we perceive our mission in the arts: to join with other concerned groups and individuals to ensure that the arts not merely survive, but flourish at all levels of our society.

Our Grantees

Special Projects

Gallery for Social Activism

The Puffin Gallery for Social Activism at the Museum of the City of New York
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Opens 4 Feb, 2020

Puffin Prize for Creative Citizenship

Supporting visionaries who challenge the status quo
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Opens 4 Feb, 2020

ALBA/Puffin Award for Human Rights Activism

Honoring International Champions of Human Rights
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Opens 4 Feb, 2020

Investigative Journalism

Helping Make Journalism that Matters Possible
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Opens 4 Feb, 2020

Puffin Cultural Forum

Fostering a dialogue of art, issues & community
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Opens 4 Feb, 2020

More Special Projects

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Opens 4 Feb, 2020

News & Blog

A photo of our new storefront. It is a large white framed window and door. In the foreground an illustrated puffin is wearing a hard hat

The Puffin Foundation is Growing!

January 17, 2025

The Puffin Foundation is excited to announce their expansion with the opening of a satellite office in Brooklyn, NY early in 2025. In addition to being a workspace, the new office will have an area for art displays, intimate performances, and meetings of community organizations. Ilene Richman, Puffin’s Director of Read More

text: Happy Holidays from The Puffin Foundation Image: a blue sky with snow falling on a snowman with a pine tree nearby

Puffin Holiday Hours

December 20, 2024

The offices of the Puffin Foundation and Cultural Forum will be closed from December 21th- December 30th. Happy Read More

The Future of Journalism Is Already Here 📢🔥

December 2, 2024

Dive into the resurgence of student activism in 2024! From climate strikes to unionization, today’s students are shaping the future. Discover how StudentNation, a Puffin supported project, is amplifying their voices and driving grassroots change. Read more about their inspiring journeys and bold articles in The Nation. Read more: Read More

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