Frankenthaler Climate Initiative – Scoping Grants
This funding opportunity provides up to $25,000 to nonprofit visual arts organizations in the U.S. to conduct energy assessments and develop strategies for improving energy efficiency and reducing their environmental impact.
The Scoping Grants offered under the Frankenthaler Climate Initiative (FCI) are designed to support nonprofit visual arts institutions in the early stages of developing energy efficiency strategies. Administered by the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation, a prominent private nonprofit focused on arts philanthropy, FCI is the leading private U.S. grantmaking initiative that addresses climate impact in the visual arts sector. These grants serve as an entry point for organizations seeking to understand and reduce their emissions footprint, and they play a foundational role in preparing institutions for deeper climate action projects in future funding rounds. Scoping Grants offer up to $25,000 in funding to cover initial energy assessments and feasibility work typically conducted by independent environmental engineers or building science consultants. These assessments help organizations identify opportunities for efficiency improvements and can provide both low-cost and long-term recommendations. Eligible projects must begin between June 1 and August 31, 2026, and be completed no later than December 31, 2027. The grant is structured as a one-round application process with no financial match requirement. To apply, organizations must be nonprofit, U.S.-based institutions with a primary focus on the visual arts. This includes museums, nonprofit galleries, artist-endowed foundations, and arts departments within universities, among others. Applicants must also demonstrate the ability to measure and report on energy usage using the EPA's EnergyStar Portfolio Manager tool. While submission of an application draft by February 27, 2026 is optional for Scoping Grants, final applications must be submitted by March 27, 2026 through the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation’s online portal. Reporting requirements include a baseline report submitted within three months of the grant award, a completion report at the conclusion of the project, and a twelve-month post-completion narrative. Each report includes energy usage tracking, a financial expenditure summary, and a narrative detailing project outcomes. Portfolio Manager training and support are provided to grantees to ensure accurate reporting. The Scoping Grant track supports institutions that are just beginning their sustainability journeys, equipping them with the knowledge and data required to pursue more ambitious implementation projects in the future. Through this funding stream, FCI empowers a broad range of visual arts institutions to integrate environmental goals into their operational planning and facilities management.
Award Range
Not specified - $25,000
Total Program Funding
Not specified
Number of Awards
Not specified
Matching Requirement
No
Additional Details
Scoping Grants provide up to $25,000 to fund energy usage assessments and feasibility studies. No financial match is required. Projects must begin between June 1 and August 31, 2026 and be completed by December 31, 2027.
Eligible Applicants
Additional Requirements
Eligible applicants must be U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit visual arts institutions or be fiscally sponsored. Qualifying organizations include museums, nonprofit galleries, artist-endowed foundations, and arts departments within universities. Applicants must be able to monitor energy use via EnergyStar Portfolio Manager. No match is required. Ineligible entities include for-profit groups, individuals, K–12 schools, and those without a visual arts focus.
Geographic Eligibility
All
Clearly explain your organization’s climate goals and how the assessment will support long-term planning. Use qualified consultants for energy assessments.
Application Opens
Not specified
Application Closes
March 27, 2026
Grantor
Helen Frankenthaler Foundation
Subscribe to view contact details
Subscribe to access grant documents

