Learn about the Andrew Carnegie Foundation Research Funding 2027, including its funding priorities, invitation-only grant process, Andrew Carnegie Fellows Program, eligibility, and opportunities for universities and research institutions.
Andrew Carnegie Foundation Research Funding 2027 supports groundbreaking work in education, democracy, international peace, and higher education through one of the world’s most established philanthropic organizations. Formerly known as the Carnegie Corporation of New York, the Foundation continues its long-standing mission of supporting research, innovation, and public-interest initiatives that create lasting societal impact.
With an endowment of approximately $4.9 billion and an annual grantmaking budget of around $220 million, the Foundation is among the largest private philanthropic funders supporting research and institutional initiatives. Unlike many grantmakers, however, the Andrew Carnegie Foundation primarily operates through a proactive, invitation-only grantmaking model, making it essential for researchers and institutions to understand how the funding process works.
About the Andrew Carnegie Foundation
Founded in 1911 by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, the Foundation supports projects that advance education, strengthen democracy, promote international peace, and improve opportunities for future generations.
In June 2026, the organization officially changed its name from Carnegie Corporation of New York to the Andrew Carnegie Foundation. While the name changed, its mission, funding priorities, and commitment to philanthropy remain the same.
Today, the Foundation partners with universities, nonprofit organizations, research institutions, and policy organizations working on some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
Funding Priorities
The Foundation organizes its grantmaking into several major program areas.
1. Education (Ladders of Opportunity)
The education portfolio supports initiatives that improve educational outcomes and strengthen opportunity for learners.
Priority areas include:
- Socioeconomic mobility
- Civic education
- Public trust in institutions
- Education research
- Evidence-based policy development
Projects that improve educational systems and expand access to opportunity are central to this funding area.
2. Democracy
The Foundation funds work that strengthens democratic institutions and civic participation.
Areas of interest include:
- Voting rights
- Democratic governance
- Political polarization
- Immigration policy
- Civic engagement
- Public policy research
Many research initiatives focus on understanding challenges affecting democratic societies and identifying practical solutions.
3. International Peace and Security
The Foundation has a long history of supporting international peace initiatives.
Research priorities include:
- Nuclear risk reduction
- U.S.–China relations
- Russian and Eurasian studies
- Conflict prevention
- International security
- Migration
- Non-state actors and global security
Universities, policy institutes, and international organizations frequently collaborate within this program area.
4. Higher Education and Research in Africa
The Foundation supports higher education institutions and research organizations throughout Africa.
Funding often focuses on:
- University development
- Research capacity building
- Academic partnerships
- Institutional strengthening
- Higher education innovation
This program reflects the Foundation’s long-term commitment to strengthening higher education across the African continent.
5. Libraries
Continuing Andrew Carnegie’s historic commitment to libraries, the Foundation also supports initiatives connected to libraries and knowledge access, although this area is generally less research-focused than its other funding programs.
How the Grant Process Works
One of the most important aspects of the Andrew Carnegie Foundation is its proactive grantmaking model.
Unlike many funding organizations:
- The Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant proposals.
- Organizations generally cannot submit open applications.
- Program staff identify organizations whose work aligns with Foundation priorities.
- Funding opportunities usually begin after Foundation staff initiate contact.
Once an organization has been identified, Foundation staff work collaboratively with the institution to develop the proposal.
Because of this model, researchers should avoid spending time preparing unsolicited proposals, as these are generally not reviewed.
The Andrew Carnegie Fellows Program
The Foundation’s principal opportunity for individual scholars is the Andrew Carnegie Fellows Program.
The program:
- Awards approximately 30 fellowships each year.
- Provides $200,000 per fellowship.
- Supports research lasting one or two years.
- Focuses on major humanities and social science research projects.
Current themes emphasize understanding and addressing political polarization in the United States.
Nomination Process
Unlike traditional fellowship applications, scholars cannot apply directly.
Instead:
- Candidates must be nominated.
- Eligible nominators include:
- University presidents
- Chancellors
- Provosts
- Heads of eligible think tanks
- University presses
- Learned societies
- Major newspapers
Self-nominations are not accepted.
Who May Be Eligible?
Depending on the funding opportunity, the Foundation supports:
- Universities
- Research institutions
- Nonprofit organizations
- Policy organizations
- Think tanks
- Higher education institutions
- Individual scholars (through the Fellows Program)
For the Andrew Carnegie Fellows Program, candidates generally must:
- Hold a PhD or another terminal degree (or be an accomplished senior professional).
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Be formally nominated by an eligible institutional leader.
Tips for Researchers and Institutions
Organizations interested in Carnegie funding should consider the following strategies:
- Build a strong publication record in areas aligned with the Foundation’s priorities.
- Develop relationships within relevant research communities.
- Review previously funded grants to understand funding patterns.
- Ensure institutional documentation and nonprofit compliance records remain current.
- Coordinate closely with university leadership regarding fellowship nominations.
Because the Foundation relies heavily on proactive engagement, visibility within your research field is especially important.
Benefits of Carnegie Funding
Successful grantees may receive:
- Research funding
- Institutional support
- Long-term partnerships
- Opportunities for policy impact
- International collaboration
- Capacity-building support
- Recognition from one of the world’s leading philanthropic foundations
For Fellows, the program also provides dedicated time and financial resources to complete major research projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I submit a proposal directly?
Generally, no. The Foundation primarily operates through an invitation-only grantmaking model and does not accept unsolicited proposals.
What happened to Carnegie Corporation of New York?
In June 2026, the organization officially became the Andrew Carnegie Foundation, although its mission and grantmaking activities remain unchanged.
Can individual researchers apply?
Individual researchers cannot directly apply for most grants. The primary opportunity is the Andrew Carnegie Fellows Program, which requires nomination by an eligible institutional leader.
How much funding does the Foundation award each year?
The Foundation has an annual grantmaking budget of approximately $220 million, supported by an endowment of roughly $4.9 billion.
Final Thoughts
The Andrew Carnegie Foundation Research Funding 2027 remains one of the most influential sources of private philanthropic support for research and institutional initiatives. Its investments in education, democracy, international peace, and African higher education continue to shape research and public policy worldwide.
Because the Foundation primarily uses an invitation-only grantmaking process, universities and researchers should focus on building strong research profiles, cultivating institutional visibility, and engaging leadership offices responsible for fellowship nominations. For scholars in the humanities and social sciences, the Andrew Carnegie Fellows Program represents an especially prestigious opportunity to secure substantial funding for transformative research.
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