Art and Culture Grants

The Ford Foundation Grants is sponsored by The Ford Foundation. The Ford Foundation is a leading global grant provider dedicated to advancing human welfare and promoting social justice. It funds projects that address critical human needs, reduce poverty, ensure equality, and protect the environment, with a geographic focus on Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Eligible groups include registered nonprofits, NGOs, and academic institutions working with underserved communities, and applicants must demonstrate a commitment to social justice and have a proven track record of successful projects.

The Merck Stimulating Innovative Research Grant Program 2026 includes a dedicated grant topic for artificial intelligence in cell culture media and process development, offering up to EUR 150,000 per year for up to 3 years. The program accelerates innovation through collaborative research, early engagement with industry experts, and translation of novel ideas into practical solutions. In 2026, priority areas also include in-vitro models for neuroinflammatory diseases (EUR 250,000/year for 2 years) and innovative approaches to contaminated materials remediation (EUR 150,000/year for 2 years). The two-stage application process begins with non-confidential submissions, followed by deep-dive workshops where finalists collaborate with Merck scientists and managers to jointly optimize proposals. The AI-specific grant focuses on applying machine learning and AI to optimize cell culture media formulation, bioprocess parameter optimization, and manufacturing quality control.