[The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation](https://www.mellon.org)

Rolling

No fixed limits; awards vary by project scope. Indirect costs generally capped at 20% of direct costs.

Supports projects that preserve, organize, and make cultural and scholarly knowledge accessible to the public.

--- ## Description The Public Knowledge grant program from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation funds projects that strengthen the cultural record through preservation, organization, and public accessibility of knowledge. The program is particularly focused on initiatives in libraries, archives, and related settings that ensure knowledge survives and is widely shared. The goal is to build a more informed, engaged, and equitable society by supporting projects that address gaps in the historical record, foster collaboration, and sustain the technology and infrastructure needed for knowledge preservation and access. --- ## Due Dates - Applications accepted on a rolling basis; there are no fixed deadlines. --- ## Funding Amount - There is no set minimum or maximum award amount; funding is commensurate with project scope and needs. - Indirect costs are generally funded up to 20% of direct costs for project support grants, with certain exceptions. - Awards support direct project costs, including salaries, fellowships, consultant fees, travel, equipment, and more, as detailed in the application guidelines. --- ## Eligibility - Most grants are made to organizations in the United States that are IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) public charities. - Organizations outside the U.S. must be equivalent to U.S. public charities. - Eligible applicants include: - Archives and libraries focused on creating, preserving, and making accessible cultural and scholarly records. - Organizations working to address gaps in the historical record and increase public access to knowledge. - Collaborative projects sustaining technology/infrastructure for knowledge preservation. - The Foundation does not fund: - Tuition, K-12 education and programming, or fundraising events. - Direct unrestricted funding for individuals (individuals may be supported through regranting programs). - Capital costs/construction projects, scholarships, financial aid, or study abroad. --- ## Application Process - Most grants are by invitation, following engagement with Mellon staff; open calls are occasional. - Proposals must be submitted through the [Mellon Fluxx portal](https://mellon.fluxx.io). - Application components include: - Grant and organization information - Proposal narrative (5–10 pages) - Supplemental documents (financial statements, key staff bios, etc.) - Detailed budget and budget description - Applicants should review the [proposal guidelines (PDF)](https://assets.ctfassets.net/nslp74meuw3d/4tZWHBfC4g7a1jiwS6hsqK/db6bc87f437928aea13bf5a29973ce60/MellonFdn_proposalguidelines_pk_021325.pdf) and [grantmaking policies](https://www.mellon.org/grants/grantmaking-policies-and-guidelines/). --- ## Additional Information - Proposals must align with charitable and/or educational purposes. - If a project is large relative to your organization’s income, consider the impact on your public charity status. - Indirect costs for colleges/universities, government entities, and fiscal sponsors are generally not funded. - The Foundation values long-term sustainability and encourages applicants to address this in their proposals. --- ## External Links - [Public Knowledge Program Page](https://www.mellon.org/grant-programs/public-knowledge) - [Mellon Foundation Grantmaking Policies](https://www.mellon.org/grants/grantmaking-policies-and-guidelines/) - [Proposal Guidelines (PDF)](https://assets.ctfassets.net/nslp74meuw3d/4tZWHBfC4g7a1jiwS6hsqK/db6bc87f437928aea13bf5a29973ce60/MellonFdn_proposalguidelines_pk_021325.pdf) - [Mellon Fluxx Application Portal](https://mellon.fluxx.io) - [Mellon Foundation Contact Page](https://www.mellon.org/contact) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |---------------------|--------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | inquiries@mellon.org | | Phone | (212) 838-8400 | | Mailing Address | 140 East 62nd Street, New York, NY 10065 | | Contact Form | [Mellon Contact Page](https://www.mellon.org/contact) |

Public Knowledge

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