BESS Family Foundation Grants
Supports research on how contemplative practices and earth awareness impact the human-earth connection, aiming to foster environmental stewardship and well-being.
Funder: Mind and Life Institute
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2026
Funding Amounts: Up to $25,000 per award; typically 1–2 grants per year; project duration up to 2 years.
Summary: Supports research on how earth awareness and contemplative practices impact human and planetary well-being, fostering connection and environmental stewardship.
Key Information: Applicants must have attended the Mind & Life Summer Research Institute within the last 5 years and be affiliated with a research institution.
Description
The BESS Family Foundation Grants, administered in partnership with the Mind & Life Institute, provide funding for contemplative research focused on the human-earth connection. The program aims to advance scientific knowledge about how contemplative practices—such as meditation, mindfulness, and other forms of earth awareness—can heal the disconnection between people and the natural world, foster interconnection and reciprocity with nature, and support coping with the climate crisis. Ultimately, the grants seek to encourage environmental stewardship and empower individuals and communities to take meaningful action toward environmental solutions. Each year, up to two grants are awarded to projects that rigorously investigate these themes.
