IDEAL Internship Grants
Who can apply: Institutions seeking to host or support IDEAL internships may be eligible.
Deadline: Apply by August 31.

The Decorative Arts Trust funds scholarship, professional training, and public-facing projects that advance study and appreciation of decorative arts and material culture. Its grants prioritize object-based research and publication (especially for graduate students and first-time authors), museum workforce development through curatorial and IDEAL internships, and a single large annual prize for innovative museum projects and conservation. Funding supports both individuals (travel/research/publishing grants, scholarships) and institutions (internships, exhibition/publication support), with an emphasis on U.S. collections while accepting international applicants for many lines.
Mostly small-to-medium competitive grants with annual deadlines (many under $2,000 for student travel; $5,000–$50,000 for publishing; up to $45,000/year for two-year curatorial interns), plus one large annual $100,000 prize. Programs are cycle-based with stated deadlines (March–September windows) and appear to be open application rather than by invitation.
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Apply through the Decorative Arts Trust website by the program-specific annual deadlines (e.g., April 30 for student research grants; March 31 for publishing; Sept 30 for curatorial internships; June 30 for the Prize). Tailor proposals to object-based decorative-arts research or institutional exhibition/publication outcomes, demonstrate mentorship or institutional support for internship requests, and for publishing grants emphasize transition from thesis to book or direct ties to collections/exhibitions.
Current and upcoming funding from Decorative Arts Trust that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Institutions seeking to host or support IDEAL internships may be eligible.
Deadline: Apply by August 31.
Who can apply: Open to organizations seeking support for exhibition and object-based conservation projects. Preference is given to projects led by or employing young professionals in the museum field. Recipient institutions must maintain a Trust membership for the duration of the project.
Deadline: Letter of inquiry due October 31 annually; funds available as early as January 1.
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Create a free accountDeadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.