The Charles Koch Foundation funds research projects that align with its mission to foster social progress and a society of mutual benefit. The Foundation invites proposals from individuals and institutions pursuing innovative ideas that advance critical understanding in a wide array of disciplines, with a preference for work that aligns with its vision and values. While it emphasizes specific issues, the Foundation also remains open to grant applications on broader research themes that reflect shared goals.
Funding is available to support original research projects that meet the highest academic and scholarly standards. Projects must be newly conceived and not previously published. Applicants are encouraged to submit a one-to-two-page project abstract along with a curriculum vitae or résumé and an itemized budget. The level of financial support is tailored to the nature of the research and its potential impact. Additional funding may be offered for dissemination of research findings if proposals are accepted.
Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charities and accredited universities located within the United States. Proposals from individuals are only accepted under specific individual grant programs. The Foundation does not typically fund for-profit organizations and excludes general support for overhead or indirect costs when awarding grants to educational institutions. Fringe benefits and fixed-percentage administrative costs are similarly ineligible.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through the Foundation’s online portal. There is no set deadline, and applicants are advised to apply when their proposals are ready. The evaluation and review process is continuous, and applicants will be notified once decisions are made.
The Foundation adheres strictly to federal tax guidelines, which prohibit the use of grant funds for political campaigning or lobbying activities. The application process is straightforward, focusing on the project's originality, feasibility, and alignment with the Foundation’s mission. Due to the open-ended nature of submission timing and funding amounts, applicants are encouraged to clearly define their project’s purpose and anticipated impact within the required application materials.
