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The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations were organized in 1952 and are supported by two trusts established by Mr. Arthur Vining Davis.

Our History
The Foundations are a legacy of Mr. Davis' successful corporate leadership, and they aim to honor his ambitious philanthropic vision. Since their inception, the Foundations have given over 3,800 grants totaling more than $300 million to colleges and universities, hospitals, medical schools and divinity schools.
Mr. Davis intended that his namesake foundations would fund organizations and projects across the nation that advance "religious, charitable, scientific, literary and educational purposes."
Our Founder
Our Legacy
Throughout its history, the foundations have supported various efforts to improve education, public media, religion, health, and the environment across the United States. These are common assets of American life and their vibrancy and well-being is instrumental to our collective flourishing. In supporting these sectors, the Foundations are investing in our common future.
The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations currently fund in five areas: Private Higher Education, Public Educational Media, Interfaith Leadership and Religious Literacy, Palliative Care, and Environmental Solutions.
Our Programs

The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations 2023 Statistics

Apply for a Grant

287

2023 LOI's Received

21

LOIs Invited to Full Proposals in 2023

$8.9M

Amount Approved in 2023

71%

LOI to Full Proposal Approval Percentage

28

Number of States Where Grants were Awarded

$231K

Average Size of Grants Approved in 2023