Virginia A. Groot Foundation’s Grants Support Artist Empowerment

The Virginia A. Groot Foundation, founded in 1988 by Candice B. Groot, is dedicated to supporting artists working in three-dimensional media, including sculptors and ceramic artists. Named in honor of Groot’s late mother, the foundation offers annual grants to provide funding, studio advancement, and opportunities for material exploration. The awards aim to foster artistic growth by giving recipients the resources to create new work, pursue research, attend residencies, or develop projects that enhance their creative practice.

Eligibility for these grants extends to emerging, mid-career, and established artists who are at least 21 years old and are not enrolled in degree programs. Teachers can apply if the work submitted represents their personal art practice. The foundation allows flexible use of the grant to ensure artists can allocate funds meaningfully in their artistic journeys. The upcoming application deadline for the 2026 Groot Grant is January 10, 2026.

In addition to individual artist grants, the Virginia A. Groot Foundation supports broader initiatives within sculpture and three-dimensional art. They have provided institutional grants, residencies, curated exhibitions, and have awarded significant funding, such as a $300,000 grant to Gustavus Adolphus College for a visiting artist-in-residence program. The foundation is also involved in producing publications that document and celebrate the accomplishments of its grant recipients.

The foundation continues to honor Candice Groot’s vision by promoting time dedication to art, broadening creative exploration, and encouraging greater engagement within the artistic community. More information about the grants can be found at virginiaagrootfoundation.org/grants.