Interfaith Leadership & Religious Literacy Grant

The Interfaith Leadership & Religious Literacy Grant aims to enhance religious literacy by fostering multi-faith dialogues and collaborations. It targets 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. that educate leaders across various sectors, promoting mutual respect for diverse beliefs. Funding ranges from $100,000 to $300,000, supporting initiatives like digital media projects and campus collaborations that bridge differences. The grant encourages innovative proposals while excluding scholarships and individual grants.

The Interfaith Leadership and Religious Literacy Program Area seeks to support organizations that promote religious literacy and create opportunities for courageous multi-faith conversations and collaborations.
As the son of a Methodist minister, Arthur Vining Davis held a deep respect and appreciation for the traditions that provide meaning and hope for many. Mr. Davis could see then what is equally true today: most Americans draw on religious convictions in ways that motivate their thoughts and action and inspire them to love and serve their fellow citizens.
As one of the most religiously diverse nations in human history, the United States faces the challenge of nurturing an increasingly religiously pluralistic society while also moderating religious tension. Achieving these twin goals requires Americans to embrace a deeper understanding and appreciation for religious traditions other than their own, and to cultivate opportunities for collaborations and friendships across religious divides.
Areas of Focus
While the Foundations are open to any funding request aimed at advancing the goals outlined above, proposals are especially encouraged concerning the Areas of Focus described below.
Religious Literacy through Digital Media:Digital media is now among the most important means for communicating information. Social media, digital video, podcasts, and similar vehicles can therefore play a critical role when it comes to improving religious literacy. Grants in this focus area support production, distribution, and marketing of digital media products that are positioned to improve religious literacy for large audiences.Collaborations between Campus Student Groups:Today’s campuses host students and faculty who represent different ages, races, nationalities, political ideologies, and religious affiliations. As a result the college years represent an ideal time and opportunity to encourage students to practice learning from and more deeply appreciating others from who they differ. To promote such learning and appreciation, the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations supports numerous projects that bring students together across lines of difference in sustained and meaningful ways.Religious Literacy through Religious Publications:Grants in this focus area support outlets, especially online and print magazines, to produce, distribute, and market text-based content that helps readers to better understand and appreciate religious communities outside of their own.
Funding
Interfaith Leadership and Religious Literacy grants typically range from $100,000-$300,000, although the Foundations will entertain larger requests.

Eligibility

The Foundations award grants to eligible 501(c)(3) institutions whose work aligns with the Foundations’ Program Areas. Grantee organizations must be based in and operate out of the United States.The Foundations welcome grant proposals from non-profit organizations that seek to educate leaders in higher education, corporate leadership, journalism, and other professions in order to advance mutual respect for religious beliefs and faith traditions.The Foundations also encourage grants that contribute to a religiously well-informed public.

Ineligibility

The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations will not support scholarships, endowments and indirect costs greater than 5% associated with projects.
We do not support grants to individuals and generally do not fund capital projects.In addition, direct service programs, such as housing services and food pantries, will not be considered. We do not provide grants to individuals.