The Smithsonian receives funding from both the Federal government and private sources.  In future years, the Smithsonian will be increasingly dependent on private funds in order to meet  its noble aim to keep this incredible American resource free to the world.

The SWC Grants Fund aims to enhance the Smithsonian’s outreach. Most often, major gifts to the Smithsonian are used for capital and other sizeable expenditures – renovations, exhibitions, acquisitions.  Gifts to the SWC, however, serve smaller needs, such as providing seed money for new research which may lead to additional outside funding or funds for much-needed equipment or conservation which would otherwise go unfunded, but are deemed vital by the Smithsonian research staff and directors. 

Every dollar the SWC awards through grants sparks an immediate benefit and is implemented and completed within one year of funding unless grantees apply for an extension.  We hope you will refer to our “Grants” page for a sampling of some of the many and varied grants we have recently funded.