Research and Development Grant – Teiger Foundation

About This Call

The next Research and development deadline is January 26, 2027. This category has no fixed grant period and projects beginning at any time are eligible. Notification will be in June 2027.

The Research and development grant is now offered every two years.

Grants of up to $50,000 support the early stages of a project. Every curator begins differently: Some start in archives and collections, others in artists' studios, and some develop ideas alongside programmatic partners. This grant is meant to offer support for these critical exploratory phases of curatorial work, independent of a public-facing component of the future project. We do not require that Research and development grants lead to an exhibition or public-facing project.

Please consult our past grantee list for examples of the range of initiatives we support.

Eligible Research and development expenses can include costs directly related to travel, archival research, pilot projects, prototyping, and other exploratory activities, including convenings of colleagues, scholars, practitioners, and community members. In addition to funds for their own work, curators may apply for assistance for collaborators such as artists, programmatic partners, or catalogue contributors to create work that further informs the curatorial process. This grant can also cover personnel costs related to research assistance. Finally, it can provide institutional support to cover administrative or other needs while curators take leave to conduct their research. This use can comprise up to 60% of the requested award.

The Five Parts of the Application

1. Curator's voice — answers to three questions in the curator's own words, 350-word limit per curator's response, plus up to five optional links with 100-word captions.
2. Proposed project — a description of 750 words or less addressing the project, its fit within the field, research methods, and projected timeline, plus up to ten images with captions.
3. Project budget — pending and confirmed income and expenses; applicants may request $25,000 or $50,000.
4. Organization budget — operating budgets for the immediate past and current fiscal years.
5. Proof of 501(c)(3) status.

Questions You May Have

How does the Research and development grant differ from the Single project grant? The Research and development grant is intended for the early stages of a curatorial project. It allows grantees to explore their initial concepts, conduct research, and develop a robust curatorial vision. In contrast, the Single project grant aids curators in the actual manifestation of these plans in a tangible, public-facing exhibition or program.

Can I use the Research and development grant to take a leave and delegate my administrative tasks? Yes. Up to 60% of the Research and development grant can be allocated to cover personnel or administrative costs at your organization while you are away.