Arts and Culture Grants
Mellon Foundation Arts and Culture grants support visionary projects and research that strengthen, innovate, and preserve the U.S. creative arts ecosystem across all disciplines.
Funder: The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): June 2026 (projected)
Funding Amounts: No fixed amount; awards vary by project scope. Mellon awarded $555M across all programs in 2024.
Summary: Supports organizations and initiatives that protect, advance, and innovate in the U.S. creative arts ecosystem.
Key Information: Most grants are by invitation; limited open calls.
Description
The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation’s Arts and Culture grants aim to strengthen and sustain the creative ecosystem in the United States. These grants support visionary leadership among cultural organizations, encourage new forms of artistic expression, preserve and restore important artistic archives, and promote research that advances the understanding and viability of the creative sector. The program is rooted in the belief that performing, visual, and literary arts are vital to human connection and societal well-being. Mellon’s approach is proactive, with staff seeking out innovative organizations, scholars, and creators, and inviting them to apply for funding. Open calls for proposals are rare but do occur occasionally.
