We are grateful to have our research supported by the John Templeton Foundation.
The John Templeton Foundation is a philanthropic organization that funds research exploring some of life’s biggest questions. Rather than focusing on a single academic field, it brings together scholars from science, philosophy, theology, psychology, economics, and other disciplines to better understand the world and what it means to live a meaningful life.
The Foundation’s mission is to support research and encourage conversations that inspire curiosity, awe, and wonder. It invests in ideas that cross traditional academic boundaries and often supports bold or unconventional projects that have the potential to deepen our understanding of people, the universe, and the values that help individuals and communities flourish.
Its funding supports work on a wide range of topics, from black holes and evolution to free will, forgiveness, human flourishing, and the relationship between science and religion. Alongside research, the Foundation also supports public engagement, helping new ideas reach wider audiences through books, articles, podcasts, events, and other forms of communication.
At its heart, the John Templeton Foundation believes that the biggest questions about human life cannot be answered by one discipline alone. By encouraging collaboration across fields and supporting innovative research, it aims to expand knowledge, deepen understanding, and help people explore questions of purpose, meaning, and the human experience.
Approach to Grantmaking
The Purpose
Sir John Templeton established the John Templeton Foundation to make a difference in the world by funding innovative research (including in under-explored areas of work) and by publicizing information about this research to generate more enthusiasm among scholars, practitioners and other funders for new ideas and perspectives.
The Approach
Our approach to grant making starts with Sir John’s philanthropic vision, is based on his guidance for how to make grants and is animated by the new insights and perspectives that applicants submit to the Foundation for consideration year after year.
The Funding Areas
The John Templeton Foundation organizes grant making in distinct funding areas. We prioritize funding for initial projects lasting up to three years and projects that include substantial funding from other sources. In general, renewal or follow-up funding is possible only if the project proposal includes a detailed plan for covering more than 50% of project costs through other funding sources. Project leaders who may wish to apply for a second round of funding are encouraged to incorporate plans for raising co-funding into their first project.