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Mellon Higher Learning is invitation-only; no open deadline exists. Staff identify and invite grantees rather than accepting open applications.
Higher Learning Program is a grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation that funds humanities-based research, curricular development, extracurricular programming, and community partnerships at colleges and universities across the United States. The program prioritizes institutions serving underrepresented communities, including rural universities, tribal colleges, and HBCUs.
It also supports scholars and academic leaders working to advance new interpretive methods, deepen understanding of American history and culture, and elevate underrepresented perspectives. Humanities-focused organizations extending public appreciation of the liberal arts are also eligible. Awards typically range from ,000 to ,000,000.
Most grants are invitation-based; prospective applicants should engage with Mellon program staff before submitting a proposal.
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Higher Learning Grant Programs | Mellon Foundation Institutions of higher education—and the scholars within them—address crucial societal issues, produce new knowledge, and promote the spirit of learning.
Mellon’s work broadens opportunities in the humanities through academic research, curricular development, extracurricular programming, internships, and community partnerships at institutions including rural universities, tribal colleges, HBCUs, and more.
We also fund humanities projects beyond colleges and universities that deepen our understanding of the United States, its cultures, and people, and help ensure the breadth of stories told and studied. Fellowships & Competitions Grantee news Grants database Through grants to eligible recipients, we support: Colleges and universities exploring new directions in humanistic study in a range of learning environments.
Scholars and academic leaders working to deepen our understanding of American history and culture, advance new methods for scholarly interpretation, and elevate underrepresented perspectives in academia. Humanities-focused organizations committed to expanding public understanding and appreciation of the liberal arts.
Our staff seek out and get to know innovative organizations, scholars, and creators before inviting them to submit a proposal for funding. Most Mellon grants are made through these invitations.
Colleges rebrand humanities majors as job-friendly 56 Humanities Councils and How They Are Making an Impact Academics Are Getting Funding to Study Something Completely Different A Q&A with Higher Learning Leadership Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship Program Creating pathways to the US academy and shaping the future of the humanities We partner with institutions that are expanding the definition of education and learning.
Based on current listing details, eligibility includes: Colleges and universities exploring new directions in humanistic study; scholars, academic leaders, and humanities-focused organizations. Applicants should confirm final requirements in the official notice before submission.
Current published award information indicates $100,000 - $1,000,000 Always verify allowable costs, matching requirements, and funding caps directly in the sponsor documentation.
The current target date is rolling deadlines or periodic funding windows. Build your timeline backwards from this date to cover registrations, approvals, attachments, and final submission checks.
Federal grant success rates typically range from 10-30%, varying by agency and program. Build a strong proposal with clear objectives, measurable outcomes, and a well-justified budget to improve your chances.
Requirements vary by sponsor, but typically include a project narrative, budget justification, organizational capability statement, and key personnel CVs. Check the official notice for the complete list of required attachments.
Yes — AI tools like Granted can help research funders, draft proposal sections, and check compliance. However, always review and customize AI-generated content to reflect your organization's unique strengths and the specific requirements of the solicitation.
Review timelines vary by funder. Federal agencies typically take 3-6 months from submission to award notification. Foundation grants may be faster, often 1-3 months. Check the program's timeline in the official solicitation for specific dates.
Many federal programs offer multi-year funding or allow competitive renewals. Check the official solicitation for continuation and renewal policies. Non-competing continuation applications are common for multi-year awards.
Humanities in Place is a grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation that funds place-based initiatives that illuminate historically overlooked communities, sites, and stories across the United States. The program supports innovative cultural programming, Indigenous and community history projects, and heritage sites—including museums and public spaces—that broaden public access to diverse American narratives from Alaska to Guam and the Borderlands to the Midwest. Grants range from $50,000 to over $1,000,000 and are accepted on a rolling basis. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofits including cultural centers, archives, and community-based heritage organizations. Mellon staff proactively review inquiry submissions and typically invite organizations to apply following an initial relationship-building process; most grants are made through these invitations.
Humanities in Place is sponsored by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. This program area supports a fuller, more complex telling of American histories and lived experiences by deepening the range of how and where our stories are told. It includes support for the preservation of archival materials and historical sites.