Public Engagement
Funds projects that explore and communicate the nature, purpose, and future of intelligence—across biology, AI, and society—through public engagement, research, and educational initiatives.
Funder: John Templeton Foundation
Due Dates: August 16, 2026 (Online Funding Inquiry) | January 2027 (Full Proposal, by invitation)
Funding Amounts: Typical grants up to 3 years; overhead capped at 15% of direct costs; $60M+ total across Intelligence Venture (all areas).
Summary: Funds projects catalyzing public conversations about intelligence, meaning, and purpose through media, events, and educational programming.
Key Information: For 2026, proposals must align with the Intelligence Venture theme on the nature and future of intelligence.
Description
The John Templeton Foundation's Public Engagement funding area supports projects that spark public dialogue and inspire awe and wonder, enabling people to live lives of meaning and purpose. For the 2026 cycle, the Foundation is prioritizing projects that align with its Intelligence Venture, focusing on foundational questions about the nature, purpose, and future of intelligence—across biological and artificial systems, the uniqueness of human intelligence, collective intelligence, and designing a flourishing future amid technological change. Supported projects may include content creation (video, audio, print, or public events), initiatives to train the next generation of thought leaders, or lasting university programming.
