The Henry Luce Foundation’s Theology Program invites new inquiries for projects seeking to advance public knowledge on the topic of race, justice, and religion in America.

The Luce Foundation encourages the submission of letters of inquiry from seminaries and divinity schools, colleges and universities, and other institutions and organizations committed to enriching public discourse on this topic.

Due no later than February 15, 2021, inquiries must be submitted through the Foundation’s online portal. Grant amounts of $250,000 to $750,000 will be considered, and approved grants will typically fund projects that can be completed in less than five years.

Through competitively-awarded grants, the Luce Foundation aims to support collaborative, experimental, and field-shaping initiatives that enliven the practice of public scholarship on—and promote public understanding of—race, justice, and religion in America. We invite inquiries for projects that seek to rethink received understandings of religion and race in America, to imagine alternative possibilities, and to alter the terms of public discourse.

The Foundation especially encourages the submission of inquiries for projects that will:

  • Revisit and interrogate accepted histories of race and American religion
  • Critically examine connections between religion, racism, and white supremacy
  • Strengthen understanding of the role of religion in movements for racial justice
  • Work across religious, racial, cultural, disciplinary, and/or institutional boundaries
  • Draw on diverse knowledge communities and amplify underrepresented voices
  • Attend to transnational movements, flows, engagements, and influences
  • Deepen and extend efforts to build a more just, equitable, and democratic future

Grants may fund a wide range of possible activities, including (but not limited to):

  • Public-facing humanities and social science scholarship
  • Media initiatives and other forms of public and community engagement
  • Support for early career scholars and emerging public thinkers
  • Creative uses of digital technologies and new publication platforms
  • Multi-institutional collaborations and partnerships of various kinds

Collaborative engagement across sectors and contexts—including religious, academic, media, policy, activist, and/or art communities—is particularly encouraged, and special consideration will be given to proposed projects involving such partnerships.

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