What do a biomedical scientist and an art historian have in common? Maybe more than you think; especially when their shared legacy powers one of the most generous grantmaking institutions supporting immigrants in the arts and sciences today.
In Episode 46 of GrantTalk, host Libby Hikind, founder and CEO of GrantWatch and author of “The Queen of Grants,” sits down with Liz Boylan, grant officer at the Vilcek Foundation. Together, they explore how this New York City-based foundation, founded by immigrants Jan and Marica Vilcek, is expanding its national footprint with open-call grants up to $200,000, and how it’s using art, science, and philanthropy to build a stronger, more inclusive future.
Who Are the Vilceks?
Jan Vilcek, a biomedical scientist, and his wife Marica, an esteemed art historian, immigrated from the former Czechoslovakia to the U.S. to pursue their work free from government censorship. Their careers flourished. Jan co-developed a treatment for autoimmune diseases, while Marica spent over three decades curating at the Met. Their success inspired them to give back.
In 2000, they established the Vilcek Foundation, a private operating foundation focused on supporting immigrant contributions to the arts and sciences. Twenty-five years later, the foundation is expanding its mission with a bold call for grant applications from nonprofits across all 50 states and U.S. territories.
From Exhibits to Grants: A Unique Approach
The Vilcek Foundation is known for more than just funding. Its headquarters in NYC houses a gallery space showcasing works from its collection and exhibitions like Grounded in Clay: The Spirit of Pueblo Pottery, created in partnership with the School for Advanced Research and curated by over 60 Native American community members.
But its impact doesn’t end there. The foundation also awards annual prizes to immigrant professionals in biomedical science and the arts and offers grants to U.S.-based nonprofits whose missions align with theirs.
“We’re democratizing our grantmaking,” said Liz. “For the first time, we’re accepting applications from nonprofits we’ve never met, and GrantWatch has been instrumental in helping us reach them.”
Vilcek Foundation Grants on GrantWatch
- Grants range up to $200,000
- Deadline: June 30, 2025
- Open to nonprofits based in the U.S. or its territories
- Priorities: Supporting immigrants in arts or sciences, and fostering appreciation for those fields more broadly
- Apply at vilcek.org or email: grants@vilcek.org
Grant Writing Tips from a Grantmaker
Liz emphasizes specificity in applications. “We’re not looking for generic pitches. We want to know how your mission shows up in your daily work—and what makes your organization irreplaceable.”
She also addressed the AI question: “Using AI isn’t a dealbreaker—so long as the heart of the application reflects your actual organization, its impact, and your story.”
Relationship-Driven Funding
While many foundations keep grantees at arm’s length, the Vilcek Foundation builds active partnerships with its recipients. From social media promotion to network introductions, grantees often benefit well beyond the grant award.
“We’re small—just 11 people,” said Liz. “But we care deeply. If your nonprofit aligns with our mission, we want to amplify your voice.”
Final Thoughts
In a time when nonprofits are asked to do more with less, the Vilcek Foundation stands out, not just for the size of its grants, but for its human-centered approach. Thanks to platforms like GrantWatch, its call for applications is reaching deserving organizations nationwide.
Subscribe to GrantTalk on YouTube for more episodes like this, and visit GrantWatch.com to find new funding opportunities daily.
How to Connect with GrantWatch
How to Connect with
- 📞 212.472.2500
- 🌐 info@vilcek.org
- 📍21 East 70th Street
New York, New York 10021- 🆇 X
- 📺 YouTube Channel
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