John Templeton Foundation Grants

The John Templeton Foundation, a prominent private philanthropic organization, is known for supporting innovative research and dialogue that bridges science, theology, philosophy, and society. Guided by the vision of its founder, Sir John Templeton, the Foundation funds a diverse array of projects that seek to explore life’s fundamental questions and promote open-minded inquiry. With a strong commitment to academic rigor and intellectual humility, the Foundation awards grants across a range of major funding areas that reflect its mission: character development, individual freedom and free markets, exceptional cognitive talent and genius, genetics, intellectual humility, public engagement, and religious cognition, among others. The 2026 grant cycle operates on a structured calendar, beginning with an Online Funding Inquiry (OFI) deadline of August 14, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. This OFI serves as the first-stage application where applicants provide an initial overview of their proposed project. All OFIs are reviewed by Foundation staff, with decision notifications sent by October 9, 2026. Select projects invited to the next stage will then submit a Full Proposal (FP), which is due by January 15, 2027. However, for some proposals, this FP deadline may occur earlier. Applicants will receive a final funding notice by July 9, 2027, completing the application cycle. The Foundation allows applications from organizations worldwide and has a history of funding both U.S.-based and international institutions. There is no requirement for co-funding for first-time applicants, although proposals that demonstrate partial support from other sources are favored. For renewal or follow-up funding, applicants must secure more than 50% of project costs from sources other than the John Templeton Foundation and its affiliates. Additionally, if a prior project exceeded $260,000 in funding and began after January 1, 2022, a renewal request must meet specific criteria regarding elapsed time or co-funding levels. Allowable expenses under Templeton Foundation grants include direct project costs and overhead/indirect costs up to 15% of total direct expenses. The Foundation typically funds project-specific proposals rather than general operating support, capital campaigns, scholarships, or direct-service programs. Projects may last up to three years, with extensions to five years in rare cases. The application process does not require personal visits or consultation with staff in advance; instead, prospective applicants should submit their OFI through the Foundation’s online portal during the open application window. Projects are evaluated on their alignment with the Foundation’s mission, their potential to produce new insights, and the applicant’s capacity to deliver meaningful outcomes. Specific review criteria or required application elements may vary, but applicants are advised to include concise project narratives, budgets, and supporting documentation appropriate to the scope and field of their inquiry. While feedback is not available for declined OFIs, those invited to submit full proposals may receive guidance as appropriate. The grant cycle is recurring annually. The consistent structure of the OFI, FP, and notification deadlines across years allows for predictable planning and application timing. For the 2026 cycle, the process opens several months before the OFI deadline in August, followed by evaluation and selection in the fall and winter, leading to award decisions by mid-summer 2027. This rhythm ensures sufficient time for rigorous review and alignment with the Foundation’s strategic priorities.

Strong alignment with mission and funding areas required; early planning for co-funding encouraged.