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Dana Education

The Dana Education program aims to make neuroscience accessible and understandable for people of all ages, backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. The program supports education both inside and outside the classroom to capture people’s interest and strengthen their knowledge of neuroscience and its relevance to their everyday lives.

  • Objective 1

    Support informal education that aims to strengthen knowledge of neuroscience and its connections to society and empower people of all ages to use that knowledge in their everyday lives.

  • Objective 2

    Engage K-12 and undergraduate students in learning about neuroscience and its relevance to society through structured education opportunities (formal and nonformal) that capture their interest and inspire continued study.

  • Objective 3

    Facilitate greater understanding and informed decision-making among professionals by supporting new education approaches on neuroscience topics related to their practice.

    • Grants in Dana Education

    Franklin Institute
    To support an update of the Franklin Institute’s Neuroscience and Society high school curriculum.
    Read Grant Details
    International Brain Bee
    Continued support for the International Brain Bee, a three-tiered competition that tests the neuroscience knowledge of teenagers worldwide.
    Read Grant Details
    Society for Neuroscience (SfN)
    To continue support for BrainFacts.org, the trusted global information source about the wonders of the brain.
    Read Grant Details

    Important Dates

    Upcoming events and deadlines

    October 1, 2023

    IBRO-Dana Brain Awareness Week Grants Deadline

    March 11, 2024

    Brain Awareness Week 2024

    FAQ

    What is neuroscience and society? Is it the same as neuroethics, bioethics, or science and technology studies? Does my work fit?

    Neuroscience and society is the multidisciplinary study of how neuroscience informs and reflects society, and practical work to put these ideas into action. Neuroscience and society includes fields where neuroscience interfaces with the world, such as ethics, law, humanities, medicine, arts, social sciences, policy, education, journalism, and public engagement. This list is meant to be illustrative, not exhaustive. Other disciplines may fall within the purview of neuroscience and society.

    While neuroscience and society is not the same as neuroethics, bioethics, or science and technology studies, there are areas of overlap.

    For further information, please visit our Neuroscience and Society page. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Foundation if they have questions.

    What does the Dana Foundation fund?

    The Dana Foundation is a nonprofit grantmaking institution that works to advance neuroscience that benefits society and reflects the aspirations of all people. Grant applications are made to a particular program. Interested applicants should read through the Foundation’s program descriptions in the Our Work section of the website carefully. Each program page includes a statement of the program’s goal and objectives, a list of recent grants, and a section with information on how to apply. Prospective applicants are encouraged to explore the grants awarded within a program to gain insight into the types of projects supported.

    I would like more information about the Foundation’s program areas. Who should I contact?

    Visit our Contact Us section to reach the program area of choice, or visit our staff page to email a program staff member directly. To receive occasional notifications about our funding opportunities, subscribe to our Grants Email Alerts.

    I’m not sure my area of work fits under the Foundation’s program areas. Who should I contact?

    Interested applicants should carefully read through the Foundation’s program descriptions before contacting us. To connect with a program staff member about innovative ideas that align with our programmatic goals and objectives, please visit our Contact Us section and select the program area of choice. We generally do not respond to funding inquiries distinctly outside our domain—Neuroscience & Society.

    Who can apply to receive a grant?

    Applicants must be classified by the Internal Revenue Service as tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations to be eligible for a grant.

    Please note:

    • The Foundation does not make grants to political campaigns, to support political activities, or to lobby for or against legislation.
    • The Foundation does not make grants to individuals.
    • The Foundation does not generally make grants to for-profit institutions.

    For expanded terms, conditions, and policies, please see our General Grant Guidelines.

    Does the Dana Foundation award grants outside of the US?

    The Dana Foundation currently provides international funding for neuroscience and society through our partnerships with FENS and IBRO in the form of Brain Awareness Week grants. Beyond these programs, our grant-making is focused domestically, but we will consider applications from organizations outside of the US on a case-by-case basis. If you are located outside of the US and have a project idea that you believe would strengthen neuroscience’s positive role in the world in alignment with our mission, vision, and values , please send an inquiry on our Contact Us page, selecting the program topic that most closely aligns with your project idea.

    Read Grant Guidelines

    Impact Story

    Measuring the Impact of Scientific Outreach and Engagement

    Photo of parent helping their child put on lab gloves at science conference

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