#USA #New York #Mellon Foundation #ACLS Grants #Digital Justice

American Council of Learned Societies Unveils 2026 Digital Justice Grant Recipients

The American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) proudly announced the recipients of the 2026 ACLS Digital Justice Grants, aimed at supporting innovative digital projects that focus on the histories and interests of marginalized communities. Funded by a grant from the Mellon Foundation, these initiatives leverage digital tools to foster engagement and accessibility within the humanities and social sciences.

Overview of the Grants

With a total of $800,000 in funding, the ACLS grants have been designed to empower both new and established projects. For the current cycle, eight startups will receive Seed Grants of up to $25,000, while seven more advanced initiatives are awarded Development Grants of up to $100,000. All grant recipients will also receive guidance from the Nonprofit Finance Fund to formulate sustainable financial strategies for their projects.

Keyanah Nurse, Senior Program Officer for the Intentional Design for an Equitable Academy (IDEA) Programs at ACLS, highlighted the innovative range of applications they received this year. “From our most competitive and disciplinarily diverse pool of applications to date, the projects funded this year represent the breadth of what ACLS imagines 'digital justice' to entail,” said Nurse.

The Significance of Digital Justice

The concept of digital justice embodies more than just the application of data technology. It symbolizes a commitment to addressing social inequities, reframing historical narratives, and leveraging technology to engage with stories that have been overlooked for far too long. The ACLS seeks to support projects that embody these values by enabling scholars, particularly those from underfunded fields, to conduct meaningful digital research and scholarship.

Some funded projects include novel methodologies like histofuturism, community-based applications of LiDAR scanning technology, and vital discussions on data sovereignty. Each project intends to explore how digital practices can contribute to restorative and reparative justice, addressing past harms faced by marginalized communities.

Honoring a Century of Grantmaking

In 2026, ACLS celebrates a remarkable milestone: its 100th anniversary of supporting scholarly work across various disciplines. Throughout the years, ACLS has remained dedicated to its core belief that knowledge is a public good. Through collaboration with scholarly organizations, ACLS has nurtured a diverse ecosystem of research that reflects a wide range of identities and experiences.

As ACLS continues to work with institutions and the community to enhance the structure supporting scholarship, these Digital Justice Grants serve as a testament to their ongoing commitment to equity in understanding and sharing knowledge.

To gain deeper insight into the specific projects that received funding, visit the ACLS website for more information on the 2026 ACLS Digital Justice Seed Grantees and Development Grantees. The announcement marks not only a significant investment in digital justice but also an exciting evolution in the landscape of scholarly research, promising a future that is more inclusive and reflective of diverse perspectives.