[Teagle Foundation](https://www.teaglefoundation.org)

August 1, 2026 | December 1, 2026 | March 1, 2027

Planning grants: $10,000–$25,000 (6–12 months) | Implementation grants: $100,000–$300,000 (up to 36 months)

Supports college-based programs that bring underserved high school students onto campus for humanities seminars exploring purpose and civic responsibility.

--- ## Description The initiative supports colleges and universities in launching or expanding programs that invite underserved high school students onto campus to engage in intensive summer seminars focused on transformative texts in philosophy and literature. The program aims to foster critical thinking, self-reflection, and civic engagement among participants, improving their college readiness and empowering them to become active, thoughtful citizens. Programs are expected to provide academic seminars, college application support, and opportunities for civic engagement, with ongoing alumni involvement. --- ## Due Dates - August 1, 2026: Concept paper submission deadline (third annual review cycle) - December 1, 2026: Concept paper submission deadline (annual review cycle) - March 1, 2027: Concept paper submission deadline (annual review cycle) Concept papers are reviewed three times per year. If invited, full proposals follow a separate timeline coordinated with foundation staff. --- ## Funding Amount - **Planning Grants:** $10,000–$25,000 for a 6–12 month planning period. - **Implementation Grants:** $100,000–$300,000 over up to 36 months, depending on project scope. The majority of programs begin with a planning grant, with the expectation that a full implementation proposal will follow. --- ## Eligibility - Only accredited colleges and universities are eligible to apply. - Programs must serve underserved (typically low-income or first-generation) high school students. - Proposals must name a faculty director or co-directors, include a draft seminar syllabus, and demonstrate institutional commitment and a sustainability plan. - Collaborations with external partners for student recruitment and support are encouraged. --- ## Application Process - **Stage 1: Concept Paper** - Submit a 3–5 page concept paper electronically to [proposals@teagle.org](mailto:proposals@teagle.org) by one of the listed deadlines. - Indicate whether applying for a planning or implementation grant. - Outline faculty leadership, departmental home, institutional partners, draft syllabus, and sustainability plan. - **Stage 2: Full Proposal** - After review, selected applicants are invited to submit a full proposal through the foundation’s online system. - Timeline for full proposal submission is coordinated with program staff to align with board review cycles (November, February, May). Applicants are encouraged to review the [Knowledge for Freedom Planning Toolkit](https://www.teaglefoundation.org/Call-for-Proposals/Toolkits/Knowledge-for-Freedom-Toolkit) and [RFP](https://www.teaglefoundation.org/Teagle/media/GlobalMediaLibrary/documents/rfps/Knowledge-for-Freedom-RFP_Revised-Fall-2021_gr.pdf?ext=.pdf) for detailed guidance. --- ## Additional Information - Programs must include an intensive summer seminar, college application support, a civic engagement project, and alumni engagement activities. - The initiative is adaptable to local institutional contexts but requires coherence with the national Knowledge for Freedom community. - Sustainability beyond the grant period is a key expectation; institutions should plan for long-term support if the pilot is successful. --- ## External Links - [Program Overview and RFP](https://www.teaglefoundation.org/Call-for-Proposals/Initiatives/Knowledge-For-Freedom) - [Full RFP Document (PDF)](https://www.teaglefoundation.org/Teagle/media/GlobalMediaLibrary/documents/rfps/Knowledge-for-Freedom-RFP_Revised-Fall-2021_gr.pdf?ext=.pdf) - [Planning Toolkit](https://www.teaglefoundation.org/Call-for-Proposals/Toolkits/Knowledge-for-Freedom-Toolkit) - [Related Grants Database](https://www.teaglefoundation.org/Grants-Initiatives/Grants-Database/?cat=Knowledge%20for%20Freedom) - [Knowledge for Freedom Program Network](https://knowledgeforfreedom.org/) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Title | Email | Phone | |-------------------------------|---------------------------------------|------------------| | Tamara Mann Tweel, Program Director | [ttweel@teagle.org](mailto:ttweel@teagle.org) | (212) 373-1970 | For general inquiries or to submit concept papers: [proposals@teagle.org](mailto:proposals@teagle.org) ---

Knowledge for Freedom

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