1,000+ Opportunities
Find the right grant
Search federal, foundation, and corporate grants with AI — or browse by agency, topic, and state.
The Lemelson Foundation Invention Grants fund nonprofit organizations advancing invention education and entrepreneurship ecosystems that help inventors bring technology-based solutions to market. The foundation supports STEM-based invention education programs, climate action initiatives, and efforts to prepare students for careers in engineering and innovation.
Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofits, particularly those working at the intersection of invention, technology, and social impact. Awards of up to $200,000 support programs that cultivate the next generation of inventors and social entrepreneurs.
Get alerted about grants like this
Save a search for “The Lemelson Foundation” or related topics and get emailed when new opportunities appear.
Search similar grants →Extracted from the official opportunity page/RFP to help you evaluate fit faster.
What We Fund | 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 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. 2035 NW Front Avenue, Suite 501
Based on current listing details, eligibility includes: Nonprofits (501c3), especially in invention and technology for good Applicants should confirm final requirements in the official notice before submission.
Current published award information indicates Up to $200,000 Always verify allowable costs, matching requirements, and funding caps directly in the sponsor documentation.
The current target date is rolling deadlines or periodic funding windows. Build your timeline backwards from this date to cover registrations, approvals, attachments, and final submission checks.
Federal grant success rates typically range from 10-30%, varying by agency and program. Build a strong proposal with clear objectives, measurable outcomes, and a well-justified budget to improve your chances.
Requirements vary by sponsor, but typically include a project narrative, budget justification, organizational capability statement, and key personnel CVs. Check the official notice for the complete list of required attachments.
Yes — AI tools like Granted can help research funders, draft proposal sections, and check compliance. However, always review and customize AI-generated content to reflect your organization's unique strengths and the specific requirements of the solicitation.
Review timelines vary by funder. Federal agencies typically take 3-6 months from submission to award notification. Foundation grants may be faster, often 1-3 months. Check the program's timeline in the official solicitation for specific dates.
Many federal programs offer multi-year funding or allow competitive renewals. Check the official solicitation for continuation and renewal policies. Non-competing continuation applications are common for multi-year awards.
The J.M.K. Innovation Prize is a grant from The J.M. Kaplan Fund recognizing early-stage social entrepreneurs working on environmental, heritage, and social justice challenges. The prize rewards individuals and organizations demonstrating innovative, entrepreneurial approaches to enduring problems. Applications for the 2025 prize were accepted February 11 through April 25, 2025 via an online portal. Spanish-language applications are welcomed, and a Spanish application form is available for download. The prize is biennial and open to a broad range of applicants across the United States working on forward-thinking solutions at the intersection of environment, community, and cultural heritage.
Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) is a financial assistance program from NYS EFC and NYS Department of Health providing low-interest loans and grants to upgrade drinking water infrastructure in New York State. Eligible borrowers include community water systems and nonprofit non-community water systems. Projects must be listed on the Department of Health's Intended Use Plan (IUP) before applying. The program prioritizes projects addressing public health risks, aging infrastructure, and emerging contaminant compliance, with enhanced funding available through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.