Public Engagement
Supports projects engaging the public with research and programming on the nature, diversity, and future of intelligence across biological and artificial systems.
Funder: John Templeton Foundation
Due Dates: July 15, 2026: Online Funding Inquiry (OFI) submission deadline | December 4, 2026: Full Proposal (FP) submission deadline for most proposals
Funding Amounts: No minimum or maximum; typical awards range from $200,000–$2 million over up to 3 years; overhead capped at 15% for most organizations
Summary: Supports projects that engage broad audiences with content and programming exploring the nature and future of intelligence, including biological and artificial systems.
Description
The John Templeton Foundation's Public Engagement funding area supports projects that inspire awe, wonder, and meaningful public discourse. For the 2026 funding cycle, proposals should align with the Foundation’s Intelligence Venture, focusing on foundational questions about the nature, purpose, and future of intelligence—including its diversity across biological and artificial systems, the uniqueness of human intelligence, collective intelligence, and the design of a flourishing future amid advancing technologies. Supported activities include content projects (video, audio, public events, print media), initiatives to nurture emerging thought leaders, and the creation of enduring courses or programming at leading universities.
