Mellon Foundation

Application guidance

Approach Mellon with a clear articulation of how your project advances the humanities or arts in a way that is both intellectually substantive and publicly consequential. The foundation favors proposals that demonstrate deep contextual awareness, feasible implementation plans, and potential for field-wide impact rather than isolated outputs. For the Higher Learning Open Call for Concepts, focus on innovative, scalable ideas that address systemic challenges in higher education, and ensure your concept aligns with Mellon's stated commitments to equity, access, and the public good. Avoid generic appeals; instead, show a nuanced understanding of the problem and a credible pathway to change.