The mission is to support colleges and universities that prioritize undergraduate education and emphasize the liberal arts, reflecting Arthur Vining Davis's belief in the transformative impact of liberal learning. Through his Foundations, Davis aimed to continue his legacy by financially assisting private higher education institutions and promoting projects that improve student outcomes and enhance faculty leadership.
The Interfaith Leadership and Religious Literacy Program aims to support initiatives that promote religious literacy and enable daring, multi-faith dialogues and partnerships. The program focuses on understanding and leveraging America’s religious diversity to reduce tensions and cultivate a society that appreciates religious traditions beyond one's own. Specific areas of interest include: