The year 2005 marked the official inauguration of the Terra Foundation for American Art’s expanded grant program. The foundation is committed to supporting projects designed to engage individuals around the globe in an enriched and enriching dialogue on American art. The foundation is also dedicated to supporting its hometown of Chicago as a lively center for the presentation and study of American art.

The Terra Foundation’s grant areas are Exhibition, Academic and Public Programs, and Chicago K–12 Education. The foundation has made it a priority to bring American art, interpretation, and research resources to audiences abroad and in Chicago, and has a particular interest in fostering innovative projects that are transformative in scope, outreach, and impact. It also supports projects that take place within the United States that include multinational perspectives and participation. The foundation seeks to create a broad dialogue on American art across geographic borders, and welcomes proposals for projects that share this goal.