The John Templeton Foundation offers grants to support research and public engagement aligned with its core mission of fostering interdisciplinary inquiry and inspiring awe and wonder. The Foundation funds innovative work that advances spiritual and scientific understanding, often emphasizing underexplored topics. Guided by the philanthropic vision of its founder, Sir John Templeton, the Foundation seeks to make a meaningful global impact by supporting ideas that challenge conventional boundaries and spark new perspectives. It emphasizes humility, intellectual rigor, human dignity, and the value of individual freedom in both its values and grantmaking practices.
Grants are typically awarded for discrete projects with durations of up to three years, and applications are encouraged to demonstrate substantial co-funding. Renewals or follow-up funding are only considered if the applicant outlines a plan to secure over 50% of the total project costs from other sources. The Foundation funds charitable entities worldwide, including organizations both inside and outside the United States. On rare occasions, it may also fund individuals and for-profit organizations, provided the work serves a charitable purpose consistent with its tax-exempt status.
The grant application process is structured in two stages. The first stage requires the submission of an Online Funding Inquiry (OFI), a brief form outlining the project's title, funding amount, duration, significance, basic activities, and involved personnel. If selected, applicants are invited to submit a more comprehensive Full Proposal. All application steps are managed through the Templeton Portal.
Applicants are advised to consult the Foundation’s Grant Calendar for current timelines. Although the Online Funding Inquiry for the 2026 cycle is not yet open, the portal will become available several months prior to the next submission deadline. Specific dates are not provided at this time, but the application is part of a recurring annual cycle.
The Foundation does not fund donations, operational support, or general program support. Grants are evaluated for alignment with the Foundation's key funding areas, which include topics like intellectual humility, individual freedom and markets, character virtue development, and responses to humanitarian crises. Final decisions are based on the relevance to these priorities, project feasibility, and overall alignment with the Foundation’s mission.
Strong alignment with mission and funding areas required; early planning for co-funding encouraged.
