Mission

We believe that the arts and humanities are where we express our complex humanity, and we believe that everyone deserves the beauty, transcendence, and freedom to be found there. Through our grants, we seek to build just communities enriched by meaning and empowered by critical thinking, where ideas and imagination can thrive.

Elizabeth Alexander
President, The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation

“Mellon is a vigorous advocate for ideas and imagination, beauty and complexity, and the power of social justice in the arts, culture, and humanities.”

Mellon at a glance

1969

Founded

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation was established by Ailsa Mellon Bruce and Paul Mellon, the children of Andrew W. Mellon.

Learn about our history

160

Staff

We are deeply immersed in the fields in which we invest. Mellon is a multi-disciplinary organization powered by the deep expertise of the people who work here.

Meet our people

$549M

Awarded in 2023

Grantmaking across all areas supports ideas and organizations that contribute to a more connected, creative, and just society.

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19K+

Grants funded

Since its founding, Mellon has provided partnership and financial support to a wide range of organizations in the US and around the world.

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