Funder: Robert and Patricia Switzer Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2027 (Meeting scheduling) | September 2027 (Concept letter)
Funding Amounts: Up to $60,000 for one year
Summary: Supports applied environmental projects that advance Switzer Fellows’ leadership and strengthen partner organizations’ capacity.
Key Information: Organizations must partner with a named Switzer Fellow and develop the proposal jointly.
Description
The Robert and Patricia Switzer Foundation’s Leadership Grants connect organizations with Switzer Fellows’ expertise in environmental science, policy, and justice. Projects may address any environmental issue, but must advance the fellow’s professional leadership, achieve near-term measurable environmental improvement, and build the organization’s long-term capacity. The organization receives the award and provides advising, mentoring, and professional development.
The program favors new projects, new positions, or substantial new directions that elevate an existing employee’s leadership. It is not designed to fund research alone: research must contribute to applied impacts through policy, education, outreach, or other practical activities. University-based projects must deliver benefits beyond campus. Equitable environmental outcomes and engagement with affected communities are central evaluation considerations.
