Consortium to Reduce Nuclear Dangers Grant Program

The Consortium to Reduce Nuclear Dangers, a philanthropic collaboration that includes Carnegie Corporation of New York, Longview Philanthropy, PAX sapiens, Founders Pledge, Global Challenges Foundation, and other partners, has issued a second call for proposals to support projects aimed at reducing nuclear risks. The consortium operates as a coordinated funding body focused on advancing innovative, action-oriented efforts that demonstrate a credible and plausible pathway toward reducing nuclear dangers. This initiative reflects the funders’ shared commitment to addressing escalating global nuclear threats through strategic investments in policy, technical, and institutional solutions. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support projects that directly contribute to reducing nuclear risk through clearly defined interventions. Applicants must articulate how their proposed activities lead to measurable reductions in nuclear dangers, emphasizing both feasibility and impact. The consortium identifies three primary focus areas: escalation and crisis instability, verification and monitoring, and governance and institutional capacity. Each area targets critical dimensions of nuclear risk, including geopolitical tensions, technological uncertainties, and the need for stronger institutional frameworks. Projects may build upon existing work but must demonstrate meaningful advancement in scope, approach, or effectiveness. Funding is available through two tiers. Small grants range from 50000 to 200000 dollars and support projects lasting up to two years, typically focused on piloting ideas or addressing emerging challenges. Large grants range from 200000 to 1000000 dollars and support more comprehensive, multi-year efforts lasting up to three years. Funds may be used for a range of project-related costs, including personnel, research, technical development, events, and partnerships, with an indirect cost cap of 15 percent. The consortium allows partial funding and expects budgets to align with the scope and justification of proposed activities. Eligibility is broad and inclusive, encompassing think tanks, nonprofit organizations, university-based centers, independent researchers, and equivalent institutions globally. Both U.S. and international applicants are eligible, and collaboration is encouraged when it enhances project quality and impact. Individual applicants, including early- and mid-career professionals, are also encouraged to apply, particularly under the small grant tier. Collaborative proposals must designate a lead organization responsible for administration and reporting. The application process requires submission through an online platform and includes a structured set of narrative responses addressing the problem, intervention, activities, outputs, target audience, expected outcomes, contributions, timeline, team qualifications, and partnerships. Applicants must also submit supporting documentation, including an activities and timeline document and team biographies. Applications are evaluated based on the clarity of the problem addressed, the strength of the theory of change, feasibility, potential to influence decision-making, and the expertise of the applicant team. Applications must be submitted before May 29, 2026, by midnight Eastern Time. The review process occurs in two stages: an initial assessment of concept notes followed by a full proposal stage for selected applicants, which may include external expert review. Funding decisions are expected in late fall or winter 2026. Applicants may be contacted individually by consortium members even if not selected collectively. Questions regarding the application process can be directed to the program email provided by the consortium.

Demonstrate clear link between activities and nuclear risk reduction focus on influencing decision makers ensure feasibility and strong theory of change avoid vague capacity building without impact pathway