Grantmaking Strategy
The Dana Foundation makes grants through its various grantmaking programs. Grant applications are made to a particular program, and interested applicants should read carefully through the Foundation's program descriptions in the Our Work section of the website. Each program page includes the program's goal and objectives, a list of recent grants, and a section with information about how to apply. In selecting projects for funding, the Foundation evaluates alignment with our programmatic goals and objectives and with our values.
Our Grants
We advance neuroscience that inspires transformational ideas where the field intersects with education, law, policy, and public engagement, among others. With grants that support interdisciplinary, collaborative work, we foster experimentation, investigation, and fresh thinking to open up pathways toward a better future.
FAQs for Grant Seekers
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.
Testimonials
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"Support from the Foundation allowed us to co-create the Dana Foundation Career Network in Neuroscience & Society … the first of its kind. Through career fairs, campus events, a website, and regular newsletters, the Foundation’s investment is facilitating career development for the next generation of leaders in rapidly emerging neuroscience and society fields such as neuroethics, neurolaw, neuroarchitecture, and neuromarketing."Francis Shen, J.D., Ph.D.
Harvard University
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"For decades, the Dana Foundation has been at the vanguard of efforts to communicate neuroscience discoveries to the public. Dana initiated Brain Awareness Week and has supported SfN and many other organizations’ efforts in education, neuroethics, and public communications. "Marty Saggese
Executive Director, Society for Neuroscience (SfN)
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"The Dana Foundation has been a supportive collaborator whose funding has helped us to bring culturally relevant, stimulating, and high-quality science engagement to underserved communities for over a decade, reaching over 2,500 students."Latasha Wright, Ph.D.
Chief Scientific Officer, BioBus