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

Rolling (Letters of Inquiry accepted year-round)

No fixed minimum or maximum; typical awards range from ~$50,000 to $250,000+ depending on project scope and duration.

Supports innovative projects that use diverse media to advance public understanding of science, targeting broad and cross-cultural audiences.

Proposals must be preceded by a Letter of Inquiry; grants are not made to individuals or for-profit institutions.

--- ## Description This opportunity supports creative projects that incorporate scientific content or themes into a wide variety of media, including but not limited to opera, dance, music, museum exhibits, interactive games, apps, ebooks, conferences, and festivals. The goal is to advance public understanding and engagement with science by extending the reach of science-themed content to new and diverse audiences, leveraging unique opportunities to integrate science into public programs and cultural events. Projects must clearly demonstrate how they will reach broad or underserved demographics and contribute to the public’s engagement with science. --- ## Due Dates - Letters of Inquiry are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. - There are no fixed deadlines for submission; formal proposals are by invitation only after LOI review. --- ## Funding Amount - There is no set minimum or maximum award amount. - Typical grants range from approximately $50,000 to $250,000+, depending on project needs and duration. - For requests over $50,000, indirect costs are capped at 20% of direct project costs. - For requests of $50,000 or less, indirect (overhead) costs are not permitted. --- ## Eligibility - Grants are made to nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and public charities. - The Foundation does **not** make grants to individuals (except through its Books program), or to for-profit institutions (except in rare circumstances). - Projects in the creative or performing arts must be directly related to educating the public about science, technology, or economics. - Grants are not given for medical research, research in the humanities, endowments, fundraising, or support of buildings/equipment unless essential for the project. - Projects aimed at pre-college students are not eligible unless through specific Civic Initiatives. --- ## Application Process - **Step 1:** Review the [program page](https://sloan.org/programs/public-understanding/new-media) and [guidelines on what is not funded](https://sloan.org/grants/apply/what-we-do-not-fund). - **Step 2:** Submit a concise (one-page) Letter of Inquiry (LOI) by email to the Program Director, Doron Weber ([see staff page](https://sloan.org/about/staff/doron-weber)). Telephone inquiries are not accepted. - The LOI should briefly describe the project, its goals, estimated budget, and key personnel. - **Step 3:** If the LOI is of interest, you will be invited to submit a full proposal following the [Sloan Foundation’s proposal guidelines](https://sloan.org/storage/app/media/files/application_documents/Sloan-Grant-Proposal-Guidelines-Non-Research-Projects.pdf). - **Step 4:** Proposals undergo rigorous internal and sometimes external review. Revisions or additional materials may be requested. - **Note:** Major grants (over $250,000) are considered quarterly, so plan accordingly. --- ## Additional Information - Proposals must include a clear participation & engagement plan, budget and justification, required appendices (citations, CVs, conflict of interest, information products), and, if applicable, letters of support. - The Sloan Foundation values diversity, equity, and inclusion in project teams and target audiences. - For detailed proposal requirements, see the [application guidelines (PDF)](https://sloan.org/storage/app/media/files/application_documents/Sloan-Grant-Proposal-Guidelines-Non-Research-Projects.pdf). --- ## External Links - [Program Page: New Media](https://sloan.org/programs/public-understanding/new-media) - [Apply for Grants: Overview & Instructions](https://sloan.org/grants/apply) - [What We Do Not Fund](https://sloan.org/grants/apply/what-we-do-not-fund) - [Grant Proposal Guidelines (Non-Research Projects) (PDF)](https://sloan.org/storage/app/media/files/application_documents/Sloan-Grant-Proposal-Guidelines-Non-Research-Projects.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Name / Office | Email | Phone | More Info | |------------------------|------------------------------|-----------------|------------------------------------------------| | Sloan Foundation Front Desk | frontdesk@sloan.org | +1 212-649-1649 | [Contact Page](https://sloan.org/about/contact) | | Program Director: Doron Weber | See [staff page](https://sloan.org/about/staff/doron-weber) | — | Email LOIs directly to Program Director |

New Media

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