By Katie Miller – Morningside University has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. This is a significant step forward in expanding applied learning for students. The funding from this award is part of the Cultures of Democracy program, a project that will enhance research and community engagement.
Grant Supports Applied Learning Across Multiple Departments
According to Dr. Brian McFarland, director of Sponsored Programs, the grant process began in October 2023 when Marianne Jordan, a consultant from McAllister and Quinn, visited the campus to discuss potential funding opportunities.
After submitting a preliminary proposal in February 2024, the university was selected as a finalist later that summer, which initiated the start of the full proposal. By December 2024, the Mellon Foundation officially awarded the funding. The project will be coordinated by Dr. Vickie Larsen, the Esther McIntosh Endowed Scholar of Humanities, along with McFarland and consultant Marianne Jordan
“This project is going to provide real-world applied learning opportunities,” McFarland explained. “Students will engage in hands-on research, exploring diverse communities and their version of democracy.”
This funding spans multiple departments, including the humanities, political science, and performing arts. The grant aims to expand learning beyond traditional classroom settings and promote engagement with community-based research.
Expanding Grant Opportunities at Morningside
The Mellon grant is just the beginning of efforts to expand funding at Morningside. Over the past six years, the university has significantly increased its funding efforts, securing approximately 12 major grants each year, with each grant exceeding $100,000.
“We’ve received grants from the National Science Foundation to enhance STEM projects,” McFarland said. “Additionally, nursing and education departments have been awarded multiple grants, one of which was from the U.S. The Department of Education called Project Connect, which has been highly successful.”
Other grants received include funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust. Morningside has also worked with the Iowa Space Grant Consortium, a NASA-affiliated program that supports aerospace and aviation education.
Growing Office of Sponsored Programs
To help manage the expansion of grants, Morningside established the Office of Sponsored Programs. Currently, McFarland leads the office independently, but there are plans to expand to a team of three.
“We’ve begun the application process for two new positions,” McFarland stated. “One will focus on financial oversight and the process after the award, and the other will develop partnerships with outside organizations.”
Collaboration Efforts to Secure Grants
Morningside’s success in securing grants is the result of collaboration among various individuals, including administration, faculty, and external consults. “We work closely with McAllister and Quinn to identify promising funding opportunities and inquiries across campus, or from faculty directly with ideas,” said McFarland.
With the $500,000 grant from the Mellon Foundation, Morningside students will benefit from expanded research opportunities and enhanced learning experiences in different ways. The university continues to grow its grant portfolio, supporting programs and hands-on learning opportunities.
Students: Want to Write a Grant?
For students interested in grant writing, Humanities offers RHET 315: Professional & Grant Writing where students prepare grants for submission by community organizations (next offered spring 2026).
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