The Lemelson Foundation Grants

The Lemelson Foundation Grants is sponsored by The Lemelson Foundation. Supports organizations that cultivate the next generation of impact inventors and strengthen systems for invention-based businesses, with a focus on invention education and entrepreneurship.

Thank you for your interest! The Lemelson Foundation’s mission is to improve lives through invention , and we do this by providing the catalytic funding needed to develop and support thriving invention ecosystems. To spur invention in the 21st century, we fund programs and projects in invention education , entrepreneurship , and climate action as the solutions to a better future.

With our grantmaking and advocacy, we proactively develop strategic partnerships to advance our goals. While we do not accept unsolicited proposals, we do appreciate learning what organizations are doing in the areas of invention education, entrepreneurship, and climate action.

We invite you to carefully review our approach and criteria as well as the eligibility information below to determine whether your organization may potentially align with the Foundation’s strategy. How can I apply for a grant or how can I receive an invitation to submit a proposal? The Lemelson Foundation supports innovative work through a relationship-driven approach.

Our team identifies promising opportunities and builds deep relationships with organizations that exemplify our collaborative goals. As such, we typically do not accept unsolicited proposals. Our team is committed to understanding the needs of communities across our geographic focus areas.

We actively engage with partners from diverse sectors to gain insights into the challenges they face and work toward solutions that make a positive impact. Does the Foundation ever accept unsolicited proposals? The Lemelson Foundation primarily awards grants through an invited process, but we’re happy to hear from organizations whose work aligns with our core strategic priorities .

If you believe there is a strong strategic fit, please send us a brief introduction by email . We’ll review your information and get back to you if we’re able to explore a potential partnership. How do you evaluate submitted proposals?

Invited proposals are carefully evaluated based on the following key factors: Alignment with our mission: Does the proposal directly support our strategic goals ? Impact and potential: Will the project have lasting social, economic, and environmental benefits? Innovation and learning: Does the proposed project offer inventive and/or innovative solutions and opportunities for growth ?

Sustainability: Is the project financially sustainable and environmentally responsible ? Do you fund inventions, independent inventors, or individuals? No, The Lemelson Foundation does not provide direct funding to individuals.

However, we support a variety of organizations and programs that may be able to provide the resources and support individuals need to advance their inventive and entrepreneurial ideas. Where does the Foundation do its grantmaking? The Lemelson Foundation works in communities across the United States to increase access to invention education and entrepreneurship programs for impact inventors.

In India and Kenya, the Foundation funds programs that support inventors creating scalable and sustainable technologies that improve the lives of vulnerable communities. Our Climate Action strategy allows us to work globally to accelerate and scale up solutions to address the climate crisis.