MMUF Dissertation Grant

The MMUF Dissertation Grants provide doctoral candidates at the critical juncture of completing their graduate degrees with support to spend a year finishing the writing of the dissertation. These grants are open only to alumni of the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship (MMUF). Dissertation Grants are part of the MMUF Advancement Program, whose Fellows gather to prepare graduate school applications, receive funding for additional research, and professional support throughout their dissertation research. The grant provides doctoral candidates with the financial stability, focus, and professional validation needed to complete their dissertations and take the final steps toward earning their Ph.D. By offering up to a year of dedicated support, the grant reduces financial pressures, creates space for uninterrupted writing, and affirms the scholar's place in a community committed to advancing diverse perspectives within the academy. This pivotal support allows Fellows to concentrate fully on completing their research and preparing for the next stage of their academic careers. The program has awarded 431 grants through the MMUF Advancement Program and 90% of scholars have earned their doctorate.