[Sloan Foundation](https://sloan.org)

January 1, 2026 | May 1, 2026 | September 1, 2026

Typical awards up to $60,000; no indirect costs allowed for grants ≤$50,000; project duration varies by proposal.

Supports authors in researching and writing books that deepen public understanding of science and technology.

Letter of inquiry required before full proposal; individuals and nonprofits may apply.

--- ## Description This grant, offered by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, supports authors working on books that communicate science and technology to the public. The program values books for their ability to provide deep insight, synthesize new knowledge, and present complex topics in accessible ways. Eligible book topics include clarification of confusing or controversial scientific issues, profiles of significant figures in science and technology, connections between science, technology, and daily life, intersections of science and art, the relationship between women and science, and the culture and philosophy of science. Occasionally, the program may support other book projects of exceptional scientific, artistic, or cultural significance. --- ## Due Dates - January 1, 2026: Full proposal submission deadline — January 1 cycle (Books Program Grants) - May 1, 2026: Full proposal submission deadline — May 1 cycle (Books Program Grants) - September 1, 2026: Full proposal submission deadline — September 1 cycle (Books Program Grants) Applicants who submit proposals early may receive a decision sooner. Applicants for the January deadline will receive a decision by May 31; for May, by October 31; and for September, by February 15 of the following year. --- ## Funding Amount - Typical grant size: Up to $60,000. - No indirect (overhead) costs permitted for grants of $50,000 or less. - For grants above $50,000, indirect costs are not typical for the Books Program and must follow Foundation guidelines if requested. - Grant duration is based on the proposed project timeline. --- ## Eligibility - Open to individual authors and nonprofit organizations (such as universities). - Only the Books Program accepts direct applications from individuals; other Sloan programs do not. - Projects must focus on science, technology, or related societal/cultural issues. - The Foundation does not fund endowments, fundraising, building construction, or unrelated creative/performing arts projects. --- ## Application Process 1. **Letter of Inquiry:** - Required before submitting a full proposal. - Email a brief letter of inquiry to Doron Weber at [weber@sloan.org](mailto:weber@sloan.org). - Only submit a full proposal if invited in response. 2. **Full Proposal (by invitation):** - Submit via email to [books@sloan.org](mailto:books@sloan.org) as a single PDF. - Required components: - Proposal cover sheet ([download here](https://sloan.org/grants/apply#tab-grant-forms)) - Main argument for the book (with context and need) - Budget and budget justification ([sample template](https://sloan.org/storage/app/media/files/application_documents/sloan-budget-template.xlsx)) - Book outline - Sample chapter - CV (1–3 pages) - Publisher agreement or strong letter of support from a publisher - Relevant previous work (book or sample) - Conflict of Interest Statement ([guidelines](https://sloan.org/storage/app/media/files/application_documents/Sloan-Grant-Proposal-Guidelines-Non-Research-Projects.pdf)) - Participation & Engagement Plan ([guidelines](https://sloan.org/storage/app/media/files/application_documents/Sloan-Grant-Proposal-Guidelines-Non-Research-Projects.pdf)) - Completed and signed Proposal Administration Form ([download here](https://sloan.org/grants/apply#tab-grant-forms)) - Do not submit hard copies unless sending a previous book as a work sample. 3. **Review Timeline:** - January applicants: decision by May 31. - May applicants: decision by October 31. - September applicants: decision by February 15 (following year). --- ## Additional Information - Budgets should only include expenses incurred after the requested start date (which should be after the decision notification date). - Overhead/indirect costs are not permitted on grants of $50,000 or less. - Applicants should demonstrate the necessity and public value of the proposed book. - The program has supported over 200 authors since 1996. --- ## External Links - [Sloan Foundation Books Program Overview](https://sloan.org/programs/public-understanding/books) - [Books Program Application Instructions](https://sloan.org/programs/public-understanding/books#apply) - [General Grant Application Guidelines (PDF)](https://sloan.org/storage/app/media/files/application_documents/Sloan-Grant-Proposal-Guidelines-Non-Research-Projects.pdf) - [Sloan Foundation Grant Forms](https://sloan.org/grants/apply#tab-grant-forms) - [Budget Template (XLSX)](https://sloan.org/storage/app/media/files/application_documents/sloan-budget-template.xlsx) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | More Info | |--------------------|-----------------------------|-----------------|-----------------------------------------------| | Doron Weber (Program) | weber@sloan.org | | [Program Page](https://sloan.org/programs/public-understanding/books) | | Books Program (Submissions) | books@sloan.org | | | | Sloan Foundation (General) | frontdesk@sloan.org | +1 212-649-1649 | [Contact Page](https://sloan.org/about/contact) | ---

Books Program Grants - Sloan Foundation

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