Granting Organizations
Here are some notable granting organizations and the types of grants they fund:
Different organizations have varied application processes and specific criteria for funding, so it is important for applicants to thoroughly research the guidelines of each granting body.
- National Science Foundation (NSF)
The NSF funds research and education initiatives in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Its primary goal is to support innovative research that advances knowledge and drives technological progress. It provides grants and cooperative agreements to colleges, universities, K12 school systems, businesses, informal science organizations, and other research agencies.
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
The NIH is the primary federal agency for conducting and supporting biomedical and health related research. It encompasses various institutes and centers, each with a specific research agenda. The NIH funds a wide array of research focused on uncovering new knowledge that can lead to better health outcomes, diseases prevention, and treatments.
- Gates Foundation
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation focuses on global health, development, and education initiatives. It aims to improve quality of life by eradicating diseases, enhancing healthcare, reducing poverty, and providing quality education opportunities. The foundation works both domestically and internationally to address critical issues and foster sustainable improvements.
- Ford Foundation
The Ford Foundation supports social justice, human rights, and educational opportunities through its funding and initiatives. It aims to reduce poverty and injustice, strengthen democratic values, promote international cooperation, and advance human achievement. Its programs are global, with specific focus areas tailored to various regions.
- MacArthur Foundation
Known for its “genius grants,” the MacArthur Foundation funds creative, effective institutions and individuals. It focuses on areas such as climate change, nuclear risk, human rights, and preserving the natural and built environment. The foundation seeks to address some of the world’s most pressing social challenges through innovative solutions and interdisciplinary approaches.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI)
HHMI supports biomedical research and science education, aiming to advance discovery and innovation in the field of life sciences. It funds talented scientists and educators, empowering them to pursue high-risk, high reward research that can lead to significant scientific breakthroughs.
- Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Concentrating on health and healthcare improvement in the United States, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation focuses on building a Culture of Health. It supports research and programs that aim to improve health outcomes, reduce health disparities, and ensure that all individuals have access to high-quality healthcare.
- Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
The Mellon Foundation supports the humanities, arts, and higher education. Its funding aims to strengthen institutions’ capacities to advance scholarship, foster diversity, and inclusion, and promote the public humanities and the arts. The foundation emphasizes support for systemic change and innovation in these fields.
- Rockefeller Foundation
The Rockefeller Foundation works on advancing health, revaluing ecosystems, securing livelihoods, and transforming cities. It aims to promote the wellbeing of humanity by addressing fundamental challenges related to health, food, power, and economic mobility.
- Alfred P. Sloan Foundation
The Sloan Foundation supports original research and education in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and economics. It funds scientific and technological research that broadens understanding of complex systems, increases labor in STEM fields, and supports public understanding of science and economics.
- Spencer Foundation
The Spencer Foundation funds educational research and improvements. It supports projects that investigate ways to enhance education quality and access, develop robust educational policies, and improve teaching and learning processes. The foundation fosters innovative research in education to understand and solve education related issues.
- Carnegie Corporation of New York
The Carnegie Corporation focuses on education, democracy, and knowledge creation and dissemination. It supports efforts to enhance education systems, promote civic engagement, and uphold democratic principles. The foundation also funds research and initiatives aimed at improving knowledge sharing and public access to information.
- Knight Foundation
The Knight Foundation invests in journalism, communities, and arts to foster informed and engaged communities. It supports high-quality journalism, intelligent community planning, and the creation of vibrant arts and culture scenes to enhance public life and civic engagement.
- Pew Charitable Trusts
Pew Charitable Trusts supports environmental conservation, public health, and science policy. It conducts rigorous research and advocates for evidence-based policies to address pressing global and national issues. Pew’s initiatives aim to protect natural resources, improve health, and enhance public policy and governance structures.
- W.K. Kellogg Foundation
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation funds projects aimed at providing equitable opportunities for children, families, and communities. Its focus areas include education and learning, food security, health equity, racial equity, and community and civic engagement. The foundation works to address disparities and foster opportunities for vulnerable populations.
