Building Bridges

People on stage at a panel discussion pointing to an illustration of a woman wearing a hijab printed with the American flag

Through the Building Bridges Program, the foundation works to elevate U.S. Muslim storytelling with the goal of increasing mutual understanding and well-being among diverse populations for the benefit of building stronger, inclusive communities. The program is anchored in the conviction that strategic use of the arts and media can help provide an effective social prescription for achieving this vision.

Why It's Important

The need for creating a more inclusive U.S. society is clear. As the nation becomes more racially and ethnically varied, areas that reflect these demographic shifts are grappling with building harmonious communities of neighbors whose cultural backgrounds differ from one another. Arts and media-based experiences provide potent platforms for shifting narratives, opening up conversation and learning, and offering a window into our shared humanity. The Building Bridges Program envisions a network of strong and healthy communities across the United States in which every member is valued, supported and empowered to fulfill their greatest potential.

What We Support

Since 2007, the Building Bridges Program has supported endeavors that engage U.S.-based populations, particularly American Muslim communities and their neighbors, through experiential learning offered by diverse creative art forms to advance understanding and relationships. To view previous Building Bridges Program-funded work, visit our Grantee Database.

See Previous Grantees

Grantmaking Process

The staff of the Building Bridges Program identifies organizations that advance its goals and provides funding through staff-curated grants, regranting opportunities, and internal and external funding partnerships. 