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 Private Higher Education Grant program focuses on supporting private colleges and universities, as well as consortia, that underscore the importance of the liberal arts in undergraduate education. The program generally funds projects that aim to improve student outcomes or foster faculty leadership. Grants range from $25,000 to $300,000, with consideration for larger requests, including multi-year projects. Areas of special interest include advocacy for the liberal arts, ensuring a broad understanding and engagement with liberal arts across all majors and courses. The program also supports the promotion of civil discourse on campus by funding initiatives that encourage respectful and empathetic dialogue across diverse opinions and backgrounds. Additionally, it emphasizes purpose-oriented education by funding curricula that help students discover and develop a meaningful life purpose in their education and future roles.