The John Templeton Foundation funds research and catalyzes conversations that inspire people with awe and wonder. Our funding areas define our philanthropic priorities and advance our aspiration to become a global catalyst for discoveries that contribute to human flourishing. We welcome grant applications to support field-leading research and high impact public engagement programs in these areas.
The John Templeton Foundation is interested in your ideas for projects related to our Core Funding Areas. The first step in our application process is creating an Online Funding Inquiry. If the Foundation approves your Online Funding Inquiry, we will ask for a more detailed Full Proposal. Please note that Full Proposals are by invitation only.
Deadline: August 15, 2025
Before approaching the funder or submitting an application:
- Prospective applicants from Duke University – contact Angela Crews in the Office of Foundation Relations, University Development at 919-681-0468 or angela.crews@duke.edu.
- Prospective applicants from Duke Medicine – contact Anita Shirley in Foundation Relations and Corporate Giving, Duke Medicine Development and Alumni Affairs at 919-385-3117 or anita.shirley@duke.edu
- Mathematical and Physical Sciences
- Character Virtue Development
- Life Sciences
- Public Engagement
- Individual Freedom and Free Markets
- Religion, Science, and Society
Small Grants are defined as requests for $234,800 (USD) or less. The threshold for small grants was established by the Foundation’s Charter and is adjusted periodically for inflation. OFI deadlines for small grant requests occur at the end of February, May, August and November, with decisions communicated no later than the end of March, June, September and December (respectively). Please note that while the Foundation is committed to providing a decision by the specified dates, we may review and decision an OFI early depending upon staff workload.
Large Grants are defined as requests for more than $234,800 (USD). The threshold for large grants was established by the Foundation’s Charter and is adjusted periodically for inflation. The Foundation has only one deadline per year for OFIs related to large grant requests on August 31st. All decisions on large grant OFIs will be communicated by the end of September.