Invention/Design Research Grants

Invention/Design Research Grants from the Lemelson Foundation funds organizations advancing STEM-based invention education, engineering for sustainability, and invention-driven entrepreneurship. The foundation supports initiatives that develop ecosystems for inventors and entrepreneurs from incubation to market, with a focus on climate action and preparing students for future careers in innovation.

Grants range from $50,000 to $150,000 and are awarded by invitation only to higher education institutions and educational nonprofits. Organizations may submit an inquiry form if their work aligns with the Foundation's strategic goals to be considered for an invitation.

Are you eligible?

| The Lemelson Foundation Jerome and Dorothy Lemelson Developing STEM-based invention education Invention & Entrepreneurship Supporting ecosystems for invention-based businesses from incubation to market Leveraging the tools of invention and innovation to address climate change Preparing students for a future yet to be invented Engineering for One Planet Integrating sustainability into engineering education to protect and improve our planet and our lives General , Impact Spotlights , Invention and Entrepreneurship , Invention Notebook Building an Innovation Ecosystem for Entrepreneurs in Africa Climate Action Initiative Environmental Defense Fund Monitoring methane emissions to fight climate change Invention & Entrepreneurship Engineering For One Planet Meet the Woman Who is Transforming Early Breast Cancer Detection in India How Adversity Led to a Lifetime of Engineering and Invention Converting a Classic Car into a Zero-Carbon Ride Escaping the ordinary in the classroom Transforming the game with invention Creating sustainable technology for electric cars General , News and Events The Powerful History of Early Black Invention General , Impact Spotlights , Invention and Entrepreneurship , Invention Notebook Building an Innovation Ecosystem for Entrepreneurs in Africa General , Impact Spotlights , Invention and Entrepreneurship , Invention Notebook The Role of Philanthropy in Supporting Impact Entrepreneurs Jerome and Dorothy Lemelson Invention & Entrepreneurship How can I apply for a grant?

Foundation funding is by invitation-only from our staff who identify opportunities in the field. How does an organization receive an invitation to submit a proposal? The Lemelson Foundation partners with researchers, practitioners, policymakers, current and previous grantees and others to identify potential programs and partners that align with the Foundation’s strategic goals and our opportunity criteria.

Does the Foundation ever accept unsolicited proposals? The Foundation accepts grant proposals by invitation. However, if you review our approach and criteria and determine that your organization may potentially align, you may fill out an inquiry form .

Program staff will follow up if it is determined that your organization and project align with the Foundation’s strategy. How do you evaluate submitted proposals?

Invited proposals are evaluated based on the following: Direct alignment with the Foundation’s strategy Fit within Opportunity Criteria, which includes Direct Impact, Leverage, Opportunity for Learning and Financial Commitment Fit within Secondary Criteria, which includes Population Served and Environmental Sustainability Plan Do you give grants to independent inventors or individuals?

In compliance with IRS tax laws, we are unable to provide funding directly to individuals (i.e., someone not associated with an organization or entity that is able to demonstrate a charitable purpose). While we do not directly support inventors in the creation or development of individual inventions, such support may be available through our partners. Can you suggest other funding sources?

Candid’s Foundation Directory maintains a comprehensive listing of U.S. foundations and their areas of interest. The U.S. Government also offers many grant opportunities. What happens after my full proposal is submitted to the Foundation?

Proposals, including a budget and budget narrative, are evaluated by Foundation staff. Depending on the size of the grant request, the proposal is either presented to the Foundation’s executive director or the Foundation’s board of directors for funding consideration. Meritorious grant proposals that fit within the Foundation’s Strategic Goals and Opportunity Criteria are awarded.

If approved, Foundation staff works with the awardee and institution to draft an agreement letter that captures the intent of the program or project and includes the Foundation’s terms and conditions for the award. How long does the proposal review process take? It depends on the grant cycle and the timing in which you submitted your proposal.

Typically, from start (which we define as when program staff requests a proposal) to finish (which we define as an award letter being sent to an organization) takes six months. Do you have a proposal format? The Foundation does have a required proposal and budget format that are sent to applicants when a full proposal is officially requested.

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