Each year, the Penn Humanities Forum offers fellowships designed to bring together postdoctoral fellows, faculty from Penn and regional universities, and members of cultural organizations, as well as undergraduate students from across Penn's schools to conduct research related to the Forum's annual topic of study.

Mellon Fellowships are available for international scholars interested in pursing postdoctoral research, for Penn and regional faculty, and for community cultural experts. This group of advanced researchers gathers at the Forum for a weekly research seminar (every Tuesday from 12-2pm) to exchange ideas and discuss their work.

Through the Undergraduate Humanities Forum, PHF offers fellowships to Penn students across the university's undergraduate schools who are interested in conducting research on a humanistic topic relating to the Forum's annual theme. These Fellows meet twice monthly to share their independent research in informal discussions, guest lectures, trips, and other special events.

An annual essay contest is also open to all Penn undergraduates.