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

May 1, 2026 | September 1, 2026 | January 1, 2027

Typically up to $60,000 per book grant; most awards are $60,000 or less.

Supports authors and nonprofit organizations to create books that enhance public understanding of science and technology for general audiences.

Full proposals accepted by invitation only after a letter of inquiry; both individuals and nonprofits are eligible.

--- ## Description This program fosters a deeper appreciation for science and technology in society by supporting the creation of books that bridge the gap between scientific disciplines and the humanities. The goal is to mainstream science and technology for lay audiences, encouraging a unified cultural perspective. The program funds works that clarify complex or controversial scientific topics, profile significant figures, relate science to daily life, or explore intersections among science, technology, art, and society. Projects of exceptional scientific, artistic, or cultural significance may also be considered outside these categories. --- ## Due Dates - May 1, 2026: Full book proposal submission deadline (May 1 review cycle) - September 1, 2026: Full book proposal submission deadline (September 1 review cycle) - January 1, 2027: Full book proposal submission deadline (January 1 review cycle) Applicants may submit letters of inquiry at any time, but full proposals are considered only for these deadlines, and only if invited. --- ## Funding Amount - Typical book grants are **$60,000 or less**. - Grants may be made to individuals or nonprofit organizations (such as universities). - Overhead/indirect costs are **not permitted on grants of $50,000 or under**. - The requested start date should be after the expected decision notification date for the relevant cycle. --- ## Eligibility - **Individuals** (authors) and **nonprofit organizations** (e.g., universities) are eligible to apply. - Projects must focus on public understanding of science and technology. - The Foundation does **not** generally fund for-profit entities, political activities, lobbying, medical research, or pre-college education (except for NYC initiatives). - Book grants are the only category where individuals may apply directly. --- ## Application Process 1. **Letter of Inquiry (LOI):** - Submit a brief LOI by email to Doron Weber at [weber@sloan.org](mailto:weber@sloan.org). - LOIs should summarize the project, its purpose, estimated budget, and timeline. - Only submit a full proposal if invited after LOI review. 2. **Full Proposal (by invitation only):** - Submit via email to [books@sloan.org](mailto:books@sloan.org) as a single PDF. - Required components: - Proposal cover sheet - Main argument for the book (including literature context and justification) - Budget and budget justification - Book outline - Sample chapter - CV (1–3 pages) - Publisher agreement or strong letter of support - Previous work sample (PDF or hard copy if necessary) - Conflict of interest statement - Participation & engagement plan - Completed and signed Proposal Administration Form (include SSN if applying as an individual) - See [Sloan's grant application guidelines](https://sloan.org/storage/app/media/files/application_documents/Sloan-Grant-Proposal-Guidelines-Non-Research-Projects.pdf) for detailed requirements. 3. **Review and Decision:** - Proposals are reviewed three times per year (January 1, May 1, September 1). - Decision notifications: - January deadline: by May 31 - May deadline: by October 31 - September deadline: by February 15 --- ## Additional Information - Applicants submitting early may receive decisions sooner. - The Foundation values methodological rigor, originality, and societal impact. - No hard-copy submissions except for previous work samples (books). - For proposals over $50,000, indirect costs may be considered; check with the program for details. --- ## External Links - [Program Overview](https://sloan.org/programs/public-understanding) - [Books Program Details](https://sloan.org/programs/public-understanding/books) - [Application Guidelines](https://sloan.org/grants/apply) - [Sample Budget Template](https://sloan.org/storage/app/media/files/application_documents/sloan-budget-template.xlsx) - [Grant Proposal Guidelines (PDF)](https://sloan.org/storage/app/media/files/application_documents/Sloan-Grant-Proposal-Guidelines-Non-Research-Projects.pdf) - [Proposal Administration Forms](https://sloan.org/grants/apply#tab-grant-forms) - [Recent Book Grants Catalog](https://sloan.org/programs/public-understanding/books/list) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Address | |----------------------|------------------------------|-----------------|------------------------------------------------------------------| | Doron Weber (Books) | [weber@sloan.org](mailto:weber@sloan.org) | +1 212-649-1649 | Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, 630 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2200, New York, NY 10111, USA | | General Inquiries | [frontdesk@sloan.org](mailto:frontdesk@sloan.org) | +1 212-649-1649 | [Contact Page](https://sloan.org/about/contact) |

Public Understanding of Science & Technology

Sign in to see full grant listing