Private Higher Education Program Area
AVDF supports private colleges and universities with grants for innovative liberal arts and civil discourse initiatives that improve undergraduate education and campus dialogue.
Funder: The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations
Due Dates: Rolling (LOI submission for Private Higher Education)
Funding Amounts: Typical grants $25,000–$300,000; larger requests considered; multi-year funding possible.
Summary: Supports private colleges, universities, and consortia to advance undergraduate liberal arts education and civil discourse through programmatic and curricular initiatives.
Key Information: Open submission only for Private Higher Education; other areas by invitation.
Description
The Private Higher Education Program Area of The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations (AVDF) funds private colleges, universities, and consortia that prioritize undergraduate education and emphasize the liberal arts. Grants support projects that improve student outcomes, enhance faculty leadership, and foster civil discourse on campus. The program seeks innovative, evidence-based proposals focused on programmatic, curricular, and educational initiatives—capital projects and endowments are not eligible.
Areas of special focus include:
- Advocacy for the Liberal Arts: Expanding access to and understanding of liberal arts education for all undergraduates, including curricular integration and public engagement.
- Civil Discourse on Campus: Developing curricular and extracurricular programs that promote respectful dialogue across social, moral, political, and religious differences.
Applicants are encouraged to leverage proven resources and methods (see below) and must include robust evaluation plans for projects aiming to impact measurable outcomes.
