Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, Research Projects

In selecting projects for funding, the Foundation seeks proposals for original initiatives led by outstanding individuals or teams. We are interested in projects that have a high expected return to society, exhibit a high degree of methodological rigor, and for which funding from the private sector, government, or other foundations is not yet widely available.

The Foundation does not make grants to political campaigns, to support political activities, or to lobby for or against particular pieces of legislation. The Foundation does not make grants to individuals except through its Books program. The Foundation does not generally make grants to for-profit institutions. The Foundation does not make grants in religion, medical research, or research in the humanities. The Foundation does not make grants aimed at pre-college students except through its New York City initiative. The Foundation does not make grants to projects in the creative or performing arts except when those projects are related to educating the public about science, technology, or economics. The Foundation does not make grants for endowments, fundraising drives, or fundraising dinners. The Foundation does not make grants in support of the purchase, construction, or renovation of buildings or laboratories. On some occasions, the Foundation will support the purchase or construction of scientific equipment if such equipment is essential to the success of a Foundation-supported research project or educational initiative.

The Foundation’s investments in research, education, and public understanding of science, technology, and economics are guided by two core principles. First, that these areas are crucial drivers of the nation's health and prosperity. And second, that such prosperity relies on full and equitable participation in these fields by those who have and continue to be excluded, particularly women and Black, Latino/a, and Indigenous populations. We expect Sloan grantees share these principles, and that they work meaningfully to advance greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in their own spheres of endeavor.