PRIZE FOR EXCELLENCE AND INNOVATION

Through the Prize for Excellence and Innovation, the Decorative Arts Trust annually awards $100,000 to further outstanding projects that advance the public’s appreciation of decorative art, fine art, architecture, or landscape.

Each year, the Prize is awarded to a nonprofit organization in the United States for a scholarly endeavor, such as museum exhibitions, conservation and preservation projects, and online databases. The Trust aims to recognize impactful and original projects that advance scholarship in the field while reaching a broad audience. The Prize represents a long-term commitment to furthering innovative endeavors while reinforcing the Trust’s mission and promoting our broader programs.​

Deadline

Nominations should be submitted by June 30. Finalists will be notified by the end of August. The recipient will be notified by the end of the year and will be required to submit additional content.

Guidelines

Please review these specifications before applying:

• Projects can extend one to five years for final completion after the Prize is awarded, but no longer. Ongoing projects are suitable for nomination.
• Collaborative endeavors that unite multiple institutions are encouraged to submit nominations.
• Nominees are encouraged to define how their project meets the criteria of innovation as well as the impact of the Prize.
• Funds are not permitted to be used to cover overhead or the salary of staff employed by organizations involved in the project.
• As part of our funding guidelines, institutions that receive grant support are expected to have at least one staff member maintain a Trust membership for the duration of the project. Our website outlines the various membership levels. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about this requirement.

Please combine these sections of your nomination into one single PDF file and email it to grants@decorativeartstrust.org:

• Cover letter (limited to two pages)
• Narrative stating the objectives and outcomes (limited to five pages)
• An appendix of images pertaining to the project with captions (limited to two additional pages)
• Budget, including the overall project budget and an indication of how the Prize funding will be applied
• Timeline
• CVs of the project’s key personnel (limited to two pages each)
• List of collaborating partners (if applicable)
• List of current funders and other active or potential fundraising sources (if applicable)
• Most recent 990

Download PDF template document.

Questions? Contact us at grants@decorativeartstrust.org.