The Opportunity
For nearly three decades, CORA Foundation has supported organizations, individuals, and multi-national initiatives that sustain cultural heritage and cultural practices while advancing development and innovation. The Foundation has elected to dedicate a significant portion of its annual support around a named thematic. In 2026, CORA Foundation’s grantmaking theme is Cultural Diplomacy.
CORA continues to champion its partners’ roles in fostering international engagement and shared histories, as reflected in this RFP for funding submissions. This call invites grant applicants to contribute innovative projects that bridge divides, propose new definitions for diplomatic agency, and/or advance mutual understanding.
Our Vision and Mission
We envision a world where culture and heritage are nurtured, shared, and valued across borders. Culture and heritage connect us to our past. Both, and related practices, can also serve to develop new ideas and foster mutual understanding that lead to better futures. This belief is at the core of our mission: to see culture and heritage across the globe protected, elevated, and interpreted.
The Foundation supports culture and heritage projects internationally by empowering the people who do the work; convening the people who have the ideas; and amplifying the work of diverse partners.
Definition and Significance of Cultural Diplomacy
Cultural Diplomacy is the building of bridges to advance cultural relations via arts and culture institutions, education, public programs, heritage protections, research, and policy development. It is also defined by a set of actions that use the exchange of ideas, values, traditions, and other cultural or identity-related elements to strengthen relationships, improve socio-cultural cooperation, or advance national interests.
The Cultural Landscape in 2026
Recent global events underscore the rising importance of cultural diplomacy in international relations, especially amid geopolitical tension and economic shifts. Dialogue, trust-building, and cooperation via non-governmental and cultural channels are essential.
As a Foundation, CORA is committed to honoring and sustaining place-based practices, regional interpretations of diplomatic action, and the diverse means of forging exchange – whether through said convenings, or less timebound manifestations, whether that be digital forums, research and development, film production or other thought leadership publication.
CORA Foundation’s Support and Opportunities
For 2026, CORA Foundation seeks proposals for projects that strengthen international exchange through cultural practice and engagement. Grants will support initiatives that leverage arts and culture to address global challenges, foster cross-border relationships, and align with the Foundation’s commitment to Empower, Convene and Amplify innovation and progressive practices in this realm.
We welcome all grant applications. Please note our process outlined below.
Background and Notes to Applicants
How we work
CORA Foundation supports organizations, institutions, and communities globally, but does not offer direct grants to individuals. Eligibility requires applicants to be, or partner with, a US-affiliated 501C3 non-profit.
Applications must align with CORA’s mission and fit one of three categories: Impact Grants (1 year; non-renewable), Multi-Year Cultural Grants (2-4 years; requiring interim reporting), or Responsive Grants (usually granted in Q4 of the U.S. fiscal year, of more modest size, and for urgent or immediate requests).
What is the application process?
Are there any restrictions on submissions?
Proposals must:
The team at CORA Foundation thanks you for your interest and looks forward to reading the proposals. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to be in touch.
Contact: Jennifer Minard, Executive Director, CORA | jennifer@corafoundation.com
Find out more on our Grants Page.
Scott Trowbridge
Foundation Source
55 Walls Drive, 3rd floor
Fairfield, CT 06824
Phone: 800-839-1754
Direct: 203-319-3785
