A US private foundation that funds arts, culture, and humanities work—primarily through invited grants—to support more just, creative, and informed communities
Mellon backs arts and humanities work so more people can access meaning, critical thinking, and creative expression—supporting communities where imagination and justice can grow
Founded in 1969, the foundation was created by Ailsa Mellon Bruce and Paul Mellon (children of Andrew W. Mellon) by consolidating the Avalon Foundation and the Old Dominion Foundation. In recent years, Mellon has emphasized social justice as a priority across its grantmaking while continuing its long-standing focus on the arts and humanities.
Mellon primarily makes grants to eligible charitable organizations (mostly in the United States, plus non-US equivalents) and works closely with grantee partners. Most awards follow an invitation process after staff engage with organizations; the foundation occasionally issues open calls. Mellon states it does not fund tuition, K–12 programming, fundraising events, or provide direct unrestricted funding to individuals (though it may support regranting programs).
Since 1969, Mellon reports funding 19,000+ grants and continues to be a major supporter of arts and humanities organizations. In 2023, it reported awarding $549M across its grantmaking areas. The foundation also uses large, multiyear initiatives (e.g., Monuments Project) to influence how history and culture are interpreted and shared in public life.
Mellon frequently partners with institutions and intermediaries through invited grants and, in some cases, regranting models that benefit individuals indirectly (rather than making grants directly to individuals).
Mellon describes its strategy as advancing social justice through arts, culture, and humanities funding, and it frames its grantmaking around strengthening communities, expanding access to knowledge, and supporting artists and scholars. The foundation’s audited financial statements report total assets of about $7.82B at year-end 2024, with grant expense of about $475.8M in 2024 (noting its website “awarded in 2023” figure separately).