Grantmaking Areas

We are deeply immersed in the areas in which we invest, supporting ideas and organizations that contribute to a more connected, creative, and just society through these core grantmaking areas and signature Presidential Initiatives.

In an abstract illustration, a figure stands before a large canvas with a circle. The illustration evokes a person standing in a gallery or other space and viewing a work of art before them.

Arts and Culture

Art and artists are essential to human connection.

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An abstract illustration of a bird flying in the sky with clouds. The bird is made of folded, lined paper in an Origami style.

Higher Learning

Knowledge is produced everywhere.

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An abstract illustration in which two human figures stand together in embrace in a deserted landscape space with hills or mountains visible in the background. A sun is in the sky.

Humanities in Place

How and where we tell our stories matters.

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An abstract image of a series of 18 door frames with open doors float. A line evoking a string connects then doors, and is tied on door knobs, wrapped around door frames, and other features.

Public Knowledge

Knowledge should be accessible to all.

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Presidential Initiatives

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Presidential Initiatives

The arts and humanities can move our interconnected communities closer to justice.

About the initiatives

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation welcomes inquiries that align with our grantmaking area strategies.

About our grantmaking process