Spreading Love Through the Media

The Greater Good Science Center (GGSC), with funding from the John Templeton Foundation, has announced a request for proposals (RFP) for nonfiction content and reported stories exploring the theme of love in its many forms. The grants, ranging from $5,000 to $50,000, will be awarded to approximately 20-25 journalists and media producers. The initiative, "Spreading Love Through the Media," seeks to deepen public understanding of love beyond romance, emphasizing its role in human connection, well-being, and social cohesion. Supported projects may include articles, videos, radio stories, podcasts, social media content, and other media formats. The purpose of this grant is to address the contemporary challenges of division, loneliness, and polarization by expanding public awareness and appreciation of love’s power to bridge divides. The project aims to highlight the significance of love in various aspects of society, including public policy, healthcare, education, and community building. Applicants are encouraged to explore different perspectives on love, such as its role in overcoming social barriers, its influence on human development, and its intersection with scientific research. Grantees will be connected with scientific experts and participate in quarterly cohort meetings and three in-person convenings to refine their projects. Eligible applicants include journalists and nonfiction media producers based in North America who seek to publish content on reputable platforms such as print newspapers, magazines, radio, podcasts, YouTube, and social media. The GGSC is particularly interested in projects that cater to educators, caregivers, policymakers, scientists, spiritual communities, and individuals interested in human flourishing. While proposals must be submitted in English, final projects may be produced in any language. The application process requires a detailed project overview, a project narrative outlining key themes and research influences, an audience analysis, a distribution strategy, and financial information, including a proposed budget. Applicants must also submit work samples, resumes, and an optional letter of support from an editor or publisher. The deadline for submission is March 24, 2025, with the grant period running from September 1, 2025, to February 28, 2027. The evaluation criteria will focus on the project's relevance, originality, connection to research, timeliness, audience reach, diversity of perspectives, and feasibility. Successful applicants will demonstrate a compelling narrative approach, a clear understanding of their audience, and a well-structured plan for content creation and dissemination. They must also show cost-effectiveness and the ability to complete their project within the given timeframe. Selected grantees will participate in a structured cohort experience, gaining access to expert mentorship and peer collaboration. They will be required to attend in-person and virtual meetings, submit periodic updates, and provide final distribution and engagement metrics. While GGSC will not exercise editorial control, recipients are encouraged to disclose the grant's source in their published work. The program’s ultimate goal is to foster a broader societal dialogue on love and its transformative potential across different communities and disciplines.