[John Templeton Foundation](https://www.templeton.org)

August 2026

Typical project budgets range from $50,000 to $3 million; project duration up to 3 years (nonprofits) or 33 months (others).

Funds research and programs to advance understanding and cultivation of character virtues, especially among youth, using interdisciplinary approaches.

This is a forecasted opportunity; timeline and priorities may shift—check the program page for updates.

--- ## Description The Character Virtue Development funding area supports research and applied programs focused on understanding, cultivating, and assessing character virtues such as humility, gratitude, curiosity, diligence, and honesty. Projects may include the development and evaluation of character education initiatives for youth or scientific studies that deepen knowledge of virtues and their development. The Foundation encourages interdisciplinary proposals, drawing from fields such as the social sciences, humanities, technology, and medicine. Current priorities include fostering purpose and agency in adolescents, examining character and free societies, exploring moral imagination and hope, investigating humility and love, and studying virtues in economic systems. --- ## Due Dates - August 2026 (anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Typical project budgets range from $50,000 to $3 million USD. - Project duration is up to 36 months (for 501(c)(3) nonprofits) or 33 months (for other organizations). - Overhead/indirect costs may be included up to 15% of total direct expenses. --- ## Eligibility - Open to charitable entities worldwide; 501(c)(3) nonprofits or international equivalents are preferred. - Non-U.S. organizations are eligible. - On rare occasions, individuals and for-profit companies may be funded for charitable work consistent with the Foundation’s tax-exempt status. - Renewal and follow-up grants have specific co-funding and prior grant amount requirements (see [FAQ](https://www.templeton.org/grants/grant-faq) for details). --- ## Application Process - Two-stage process: 1. **Online Funding Inquiry (OFI):** Submit a brief project outline via the [Templeton Portal](https://portal.templeton.org/). 2. **Full Proposal (by invitation):** If selected, submit a detailed proposal including budget and project plan. - All materials are submitted online. - Review involves internal and external experts; final approval by Foundation Board or President. - Allow up to 4.5 months from full proposal submission to notification. --- ## Additional Information - The Foundation favors projects with strong alignment to the funding area’s priorities and encourages interdisciplinary collaboration. - Projects requesting over $250,000 should identify a specific opportunity or problem of practice and present a unified focus. - Co-funding is not required for first-time applicants but is prioritized. - Overhead/indirect costs capped at 15%. - The Foundation generally does not fund capital campaigns, scholarships, general operating support, or disaster relief. --- ## External Links - [Character Virtue Development Funding Area](https://www.templeton.org/funding-areas/character-virtue-development) - [Apply for a Grant](https://www.templeton.org/grants/apply-for-grant) - [Grant FAQ](https://www.templeton.org/grants/grant-faq) - [Templeton Portal (application submission)](https://portal.templeton.org/) - [View Funded Projects](https://www.templeton.org/grants/grant-database) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |----------------------------------|------------------------------------------| | General inquiries | info@templeton.org | | Application process questions | [Contact form](https://www.templeton.org/contact) | | Phone | +1 610-941-2828 |

Character Virtue Development

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