Princess Grace Foundation-USA

Established in 1982 by His Serene Highness Prince Rainier III of Monaco, the Foundation was created to honor the legacy of His wife, Her Serene Highness Princess Grace (Grace Kelly), an independent American woman, Oscar-winning Hollywood icon, and the globally beloved Princess of Monaco. During Her reign, Princess Grace brought arts and culture to Monaco while also quietly supporting countless American performing and film artists. After Her tragic death, Her family wanted to create an institution that reflected Her love for Her native country and Her profound dedication to the arts. This is the legacy that inspires the Foundation’s mission, and Her children continue to assist in the program.

In 1982, the Board of Trustees, under Robert Hausman, incorporated Princess Grace Foundation-USA as a not-for-profit public charity. Notable supporters of the Foundation during its inception include Gant Gaither, Frank Sinatra, Cary Grant, Sir Roger Moore, John Johnson, William P. Rogers, Mary Wells Lawrence, and Lynn Wyatt. The first financial grants in the form of scholarships, apprenticeships, and fellowships were awarded in 1984 to artists associated with schools or performing arts companies in the dance and theater disciplines. An arts advisory board composed of distinguished professionals in each of those fields was appointed to choose the most talented applicants as Awards recipients.

President Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy oversaw the first gala at the White House in Washington, D.C.; The Foundation has continued with annual Awards Galas rotating between New York City, Los Angeles and Monaco.

The Princess Grace Foundation-USA maintains a long-term commitment to its Award winners. Recognizing that an artist will continue to need both financial support and encouragement as they pursue their craft, the Princess Grace Foundation-USA offers continuing grants to Award winners. Currently there are five avenues of funding for Award winners, available exclusively to Award winners and honoraria: Special Projects, Works in Progress in partnership with Baryshnikov Arts Center, Choreography Mentorship Co-Commission, Professional Development, and Professional Development partnerships for filmmakers.

Hon. John F. Lehman, Jr. is Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Board leadership also includes, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, Melia Bensussen, Raymond P. Caldiero, Gérard Cohen, Norman E. Donoghue, John Gore, George J. Hauptfuhrer III, Robert O. Marx, Esq., Rachel Hovnanian, James J. Johnston, Anton Katz, D. Christopher Le Vine, Barbara Lehman, Serena D. Lese, Leslie Odom, Jr., John Paulson, Sir Michael Smurfit, Brisa Trinchero, Jon B. Turk, M.D. and Sandra van Essche. Former board members include Cary Grant, Frank Sinatra, John Johnson, William P. Rogers, Mary Wells Lawrence, Karl Lagerfeld, Yves Piaget, Anne Hearst McInerney, and Lynn Wyatt. In 2019, Brisa Trinchero was appointed to lead the organization as CEO.[1] [1]

Past winners of the Princess Grace Awards who distinguish themselves in their artistic disciplines after receiving their initial Princess Grace Awards are eligible to win the Foundation’s highest honor, the Princess Grace Statue Award. In addition to a $25,000 unrestricted cash gift, these awardees are presented with a bronze statuette of Princess Grace created by the Dutch artist Kees Verkade. To date, sixty-seven artists have received this award.

After the passing of H.S.H. Prince Rainier III, in 2005, the board of trustees inaugurated the Prince Rainier III Award to honor of the Man who helped create the Foundation. This Award is presented to illustrious artists who are both highly celebrated in their careers and have made significant humanitarian contributions to their fields. Recipients to date include: Mikhail Baryshnikov (2005), Twyla Tharp (2006), George Lucas (2007), Glenn Close (2008), Mandy Patinkin (2009), Denzel Washington and Pauletta Washington (2010); Julie Andrews (2011) Dick Van Dyke (2014) Robert Redford and Sibylle Redford (2015); Queen Latifah (2016); James Cameron (2017); Tim Daly (2018); Bernadette Peters (2019) have received this honor, which includes a grant to the philanthropic organization of their choice.

• Staples, Gracie Bonds (October 22, 2008). "Princess's foundation rewards filmmaker". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved 2008-10-27.
• "Princess Grace Foundation Award Winners Unveil Fabergé Egg". Broadway World. October 15, 2008. Retrieved 2008-10-27.

• Official website