Inclusive Excellence

The American Council of Learned Societies was founded in 1919 with the mission to support the creation and circulation of knowledge that advances understanding of humanity and human endeavors in the past, present, and future, with a view toward improving human experience. ACLS aims to advance humanistic studies in all fields of learning and maintain and strengthen relations among the national societies devoted to such studies.

As the depth and breadth of humanistic inquiry have evolved and grown over the past century, ACLS has remained committed to funding outstanding scholars and research.

We also stand firm in our commitment to inclusive excellence. The humanities and social sciences will not thrive unless they reflect the diversity of the experiences they seek to interpret. A deep understanding of human thought and action is essential to creating a just and peaceful world and to building a society that recognizes and respects all of its members.

Each year, our awardees and program participants represent scholarly diversity in their backgrounds and identities, professional affiliations, career stages, scholarly fields, and research methodologies.

Supporting Outstanding Scholarship and Research Through Inclusive Excellence

ACLS Fellowships and Grants

Learn more about ACLS fellowships and grants for early-career, independent, established educators, those working within the administrative ranks, and those forging paths in public-facing research.

Building Blocks for a New Academy

A community for sharing and uplifting the work of creating more just, humane, and innovative colleges and universities.

Intentional Design for an Equitable Academy

The IDEA unit draws on human-centered design as a methodology for developing activities and convenings where we can re-envision academia’s culture, policies, and practices.