“Puffin Foundation West, Ltd. (PFW) seeks to open the doors of artistic expression byproviding grants to citizen activist artists and Not For Profits organizations that often are excluded from mainstream opportunities due to race, gender, or social philosophy. We know that Artists and the universal language of ART are able to reach across both physical borders and the boundaries of our imagination and in doing so are often able to peaceably transform our society’s ideas about social and civil justice issues. Creative expression and innovation have always helped move society towards a more progressive democracy and allows us to recognize our universal humanity. Puffin Foundation West, Ltd. is committed to supporting such grass-roots artists and organizations.
The Puffin is a metaphor for our work. This species once prospered off the coast of New England but was hunted almost to extinction for its feathers and for stew. In the late 1970’s, and shortly before her death, Dorothea (Mrs. Perry) Rosenstein, (the mother of PFW’s President) was part of a small group of volunteers who worked on a project with Dr. Stephen W. Kress, Director of the Seabird Restoration Program of the National Audubon Society, to reintroduce Puffins back to these islands. This was the first attempt to restore a puffin colony; the outcome was unknown. Owing to these constructive efforts these birds did make a comeback although global warming and the encroachment of civilization on these creatures’ habitats combined with corporate contamination of the natural world threaten their existence again. Over 1000 breeding pairs have been counted and banded and we now know they spend their winters near Bermuda!
Puffin Foundation, Ltd. and PFW are named in tribute of this restoration project’s little bird because unlike Captain Kirk’s prime directive that you mustn’t interfere, many times you do have to step-up to make things right. The Puffin Foundation West, Ltd. will partner and also help build community partnerships with other concerned groups and individuals to insure that the arts continue to grow enlighten and enrich our lives. PFW accepts Grant Applications from individuals, NFP educational, cultural and social justice organizations for projects meeting our Mission’s objectives that utilize Art, Dance, Music, Theater, Photography, Film/Video, Writing, Poetry and Public Interest platforms.
IN 2018 AND IN HONOR OF PUFFIN FOUNDATION WEST RECEIVING THE OHIO GOVERNOR’S ARTS PATRON AWARD ALL GRANTS WILL ONLY BE GIVEN TO OHIO CITIZENS AND NFPs.”
–Excerpted from Puffin 2018 Grant Application