The Office of Foundation Relations is pleased to share this open call for funding from the John Templeton Foundation.
UCSC Contact: Caroline Rodriguez | caroline@ucsc.edu
Funder: John Templeton Foundation
Opportunity: Online Funding Inquiry (Templeton’s Letter of Intent)
OFI Deadline: August 15, 2025
Overview
The John Templeton Foundation offers grants in support of research and public engagement in six major Funding Areas (see below). The Foundation funds work on subjects ranging from black holes and evolution to creativity, forgiveness, and free will. Templeton also encourages civil, informed dialogue among scientists, philosophers, theologians, and the public at large. The Templeton Foundation welcomes Online Funding Inquiries (OFI) to support field-leading research and high-impact public engagement programs in the following areas:
- Character Virtue Development
- Individual Freedom & Free Markets
- Life Sciences
- Mathematical & Physical Sciences
- Public Engagement
- Religion, Science, & Society
Restrictions
Templeton does NOT fund buildings, renovations, or capital campaigns; direct-service programs; scholarships for college or graduate school; general operating support for organizations; or disaster relief.
Award Amount & Terms
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Grant duration is often up to three years. In rare instances the Foundation may support a project for up to five years. The Foundation will not fund any project for more than five years. Projects can be renewed under specific guidelines.
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The Foundation allows projects to include an overhead/indirect cost component that is no more than fifteen percent (15%) of the total direct expenses. We welcome proposals that request a lower percentage. The overhead/indirect cost should be included in the total amount you request.
See here for FAQs.
Eligibility
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Anyone can request funding from the Foundation.
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Generally, Templeton funds charitable entities that operate inside and outside of the United States. On rare occasions, the Foundation may fund individuals and for-profit companies doing charitable work that is consistent with our tax-exempt status.
See here for previously awarded grants.
Timeline
- August 15, 2025 OFI Deadline
- October 10, 2025 OFI Decision
- January 16, 2026 Full Proposal Deadline (or earlier for select proposals)
- July 10, 2026 Funding Decision (or earlier for select proposals)
Special Instructions
Please notify the Office of Foundation Relations if you are interested in applying to this opportunity (fr@ucsc.edu). For support developing your Online Funding Inquiry, please contact the Research Development Specialist assigned to your unit or send a request to resdev@ucsc.edu. Within the Division of Social Sciences, please contact Ashlee Tews (ashleeac@ucsc.edu), and within the Arts, please contact Hannah Jasper (hannahjasper@ucsc.edu) to initiate support.
Call sent: June 24, 2025
The Office of Foundation Relations is a unit of University Advancement. The FR team creates and maintains mutually beneficial, long-term relationships with private organizations, matching grant initiatives with educational and research programs and centers. FR supports faculty and staff to identify and approach these and other private foundations for funding, to assist in strategic positioning of the grant application, and to facilitate funder campus visits. For a list of recent funding opportunities, please visit the FR website: FR Calls for Funding.