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

Rolling

No fixed limits; major grants (> $250,000) approved quarterly; typical awards and duration vary by project.

Supports projects maximizing societal benefits from science and technology, with a focus on privacy, access to information, and ethical challenges in emerging technologies.

--- ## Description The Special Initiatives program from the Sloan Foundation aims to support high-impact projects that leverage science and technology for the public good, while addressing potential societal risks. Launched in 2022, the program is still shaping its strategic priorities but currently makes exploratory grants. Key themes include privacy and security in the digital age, strengthening public access to information and combating misinformation, fostering science as a transnational community, and addressing ethical and legal issues in neurotechnology, biotechnology, and nanotechnology. The program builds on prior efforts such as the Universal Access to Knowledge initiative and continues to support select grantees in related areas. --- ## Due Dates - Rolling (Letters of Inquiry accepted year-round) --- ## Funding Amount - No set minimum or maximum; funding levels depend on project scope and needs. - Major grants (over $250,000) are reviewed and approved quarterly. - Duration varies by project; applicants should specify the expected timeline in their inquiry. --- ## Eligibility - Open to organizations and teams proposing original, high-impact projects. - The Foundation does **not** make grants to: - Individuals (except through its Books program) - For-profit institutions (generally) - Political campaigns or lobbying efforts - Projects in religion, medical research, or the humanities - Projects aimed at pre-college students (except through the NYC initiative) - Creative or performing arts projects unless they educate the public about science, technology, or economics - Endowments, fundraising drives, or building construction/renovation - Preference for projects where alternative funding sources are not widely available. --- ## Application Process - **Step 1:** Review the program details on the [Special Initiatives program page](https://sloan.org/programs/public-understanding/special-initiatives). - **Step 2:** Submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) of no more than two pages to the program director (currently Doron Weber). - LOI should include: project description, purpose, estimated budget and duration, and key personnel. - Email the LOI as directed on the program page. - **Step 3:** If the LOI is promising, you will be invited to submit a full proposal. - Formal proposals are by invitation only. - Major grants are reviewed quarterly; allow ample time for review and possible revisions. - Response to LOIs may take up to 8 weeks. --- ## Additional Information - The program is exploratory and may evolve as strategic priorities are set. - Projects continuing from the Universal Access to Knowledge program or relevant Public Understanding grantees may be eligible for ongoing support. --- ## External Links - [Special Initiatives Program Page](https://sloan.org/programs/public-understanding/special-initiatives) - [How to Apply for Sloan Foundation Grants](https://sloan.org/grants/apply) - [Sloan Foundation Open Calls](https://sloan.org/grants/open-calls) - [Sloan Foundation Contact Page](https://sloan.org/about/contact) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Phone | Link | |--------------------|-----------------------------|-----------------|--------------------------------------| | Sloan Foundation | frontdesk@sloan.org | +1 212-649-1649 | [Contact Page](https://sloan.org/about/contact) | | Program Director (Special Initiatives) | See program page for current contact | | [Special Initiatives](https://sloan.org/programs/public-understanding/special-initiatives) |

Special Initiatives

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