John Templeton Foundation: Core Funding Areas (Online Funding Inquiry Form)

1.10 | John Templeton Foundation: Core Funding Areas

** Science & the Big Questions:

- Mathematical & Physical Sciences: foundational questions in mathematics or that seek a deeper understanding of the nature of reality within the realm of physics, cosmology, astronomy, chemistry, or other physical sciences. Projects that are unlikely to be supported by conventional funding sources are especially encouraged.

- Life Sciences: projects investigating the evolution and fundamental nature of life, human life, and mind, especially as they relate to issues of meaning and purpose. Projects are welcome from a variety of disciplinary perspectives, including the biological sciences, neuroscience, archeology, and paleontology.

- Human Sciences: projects that apply the tools of anthropology, sociology, political science, and psychology to the various moral and spiritual concepts as altruism, creativity, free will, generosity, gratitude, intellect, love, prayer, and purpose.

- Philosophy & Theology: projects that attempt to develop new philosophical and theological insights, especially (but not only) in relation to advances in scientific understanding.

- Science in Dialogue: projects that bring one or more scientific disciplines into a mutually enriching discussion with theology and/or philosophy, whether for a scholarly audience or the public at large.

** Genetics: Can Genetically Modified Crops Help to Feed the World? 1. What are the scientifically-established nutritional, social, and environmental consequences of GM crops...? In which regions of the world would their use be most appropriate and beneficial? In which settings might they have deleterious effects? 2. Can the use of GM crops have an economic impact across different levels of income in less-developed countries? What role might they play in improved land use; more efficient production; the enhancement of domestic and international marketing services; and/or improved credit facilities? 3. What are the barriers to acceptance and use of GM crops? What policies have enabled and/or hindered their use? What is the science-based evidence about the role that the following issues play in facilitating or inhibiting the adoption of GM crops: (a) international trade; (b) bio-safety and/or bio-security; and, (c) regulatory and/or intellectual property frameworks?

** Character Development: supports a broad range of programs, publications, and studies focused on character development, especially projects that deal with the crucial relationship between culture and behavior.

** Freedom & Free Enterprise: supports a range of programs intended to liberate the initiative of individuals and nations and to establish the necessary conditions for the success of profit-making enterprise.

** Exceptional Cognitive Talent & Genius: the Foundation has made a strong commitment to identifying and nurturing young people who demonstrate exceptional talent in mathematics and science. In the US, we have supported accelerated learning and studies relative to students capable of working well beyond their grade level. Internationally, the Foundation has sponsored academic training and competitions for students who show extraordinary potential but whose talents might not otherwise be developed, especially because of their economic circumstances or insufficient educational support.

Funding: $100,000 - $1,000,000 for periods of a few months to up to three years.

www.templeton.org/what-we-fund/core-funding-areas