Cultivating humanities in place
Humanities in Place is the most recently developed area of focus for Mellon and is our first newly established grantmaking area in more than 30 years. Through our commitment to humanities in place, we support a fuller, more complex telling of American histories and lived experiences by expanding the range of stories centered and celebrated in our public spaces.
The idea for humanities in place grantmaking was conceived of by Mellon president Elizabeth Alexander and launched in December 2020, with the first round of grantmaking in September of 2021. Initial investments included support for public programs at Angel Island Immigration Station, preservation planning for the cultural assets of HBCUs, and the renovation of the landmark home of the Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray—a critical player in the fights for African American and women’s rights.
During its first two years, Humanities in Place has provided $89 million in funding to 95 projects across the US and in Africa. Much of this funding was directed to community-based organizations, most of whom were new Mellon grantees. Over 30 percent of these grants began as unsolicited inquiries, demonstrating our increased commitment to open, accessible grantmaking. The results of this funding will range from built environments and public programs to digital archives and research projects, all with a focus on increasing organizational capacity and community engagement.
Humanities in Place will continue to expand our grantmaking, working with places of public memory and shared experience—both physical and virtual.
We encourage new approaches to understanding and uplifting the stories of these places, to make these places more accessible, and to actively build community and common understanding through innovative place-based programming.