The John Templeton Foundation is currently accepting submissions through its Online Funding Inquiry (OFI), the required first step for all applicants. This cycle includes both the Foundation's traditional funding opportunities and a new, large-scale initiative: the Intelligence Venture.
1. Standard Templeton Funding (via OFI)
The OFI is a brief online application that outlines your project's significance, approach, team, timeline, and budget. It is required for all applicants and serves as the first stage in a competitive, multi-step review process.
Projects must align with one or more of Templeton's six funding areas:
- Character Virtue Development
- Individual Free & Free Markets
- Life Sciences
- Mathematical & Physical Sciences
- Public Engagement
- Religion, Science & Society
Selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal. Templeton prioritizes work that is interdisciplinary, rigorous, and addresses big questions with clear broader impacts.
2. The Intelligence Venture (New Initiative)
The Intelligence Venture is a new $60M+ funding effort over three years focused on foundational questions about intelligence across disciplines. Applicants use the same OFI process but must indicate interest in the Venture within the portal.
The initiative supports projects exploring questions such as:
- What is intelligence?
- Is human intelligence unique?
- Could intelligence exist in forms beyond current understanding?
- How does intelligence relate to the structure of reality?
Projects can be theoretical, empirical, applied, or public-facing, but should be ambitious, multidisciplinary, and aligned with one or more of the six funding areas. Funded teams will join a broader community of inquiry with opportunities for collaboration.
Key Dates:
- OFI Deadline: July 15, 2026
- OFI Decisions: Rolling (Sep-Oct 2026)
- Full Proposal Deadline (if invited): Dec 4, 2026
Templeton has noted that high submission volume may lead to early closure, so early submission is recommended.
Learn More (May 7 Event)
ASU's Moonshot Accelerator and Knowledge Enterprise will host a virtual kickoff session on May 7 (10-11 AM) through Zoom, with ASU Foundation staff. The session will cover both opportunities and include Q&A.
ASU Support:
For institutional coordination, contact Michelle Govani at [email protected]