Mind & Life Institute grants support rigorous research across a range of disciplines to investigate the human mind, as well as the psychological, physiological, behavioral, and social impact of contemplative practices. Since 2004, Mind & Life grantees have helped lay the foundations for the field of contemplative science, leading to groundbreaking insights in such areas as education and mental health.
We offer grant funding mechanisms to support the work of both prominent scholars and promising young investigators. These currently include the Francisco J. Varela Grants, Samuel B. Hanser Visionary Grant, BESS Family Foundation Grants, and the Laurisa S. Dill Legacy Award. See our recently awarded grants and our full grant history for past grant recipients.
With humanity more divided than ever, our grantmaking increasingly seeks to bridge contemplation, research, and action to cultivate inner knowing and strengthen awareness of interconnection. Through our support of research-practice partnerships, we seek to promote the application of shared knowledge to real-world challenges.
**Please note that Mind & Life does not accept unsolicited proposals
Research Values and Ethics
Mind & Life grantmaking reflects our values and the premium we place on scientific rigor. The mainstreaming of mindfulness within popular culture has resulted in misleading claims about its benefits. Our research focus adheres to high standards of excellence and the pursuit of a solid evidence base.
While historically, contemplative research has been dominated by a largely racially and ethnically homogenous group of scientists, scholars, and practitioners, our grantmaking is guided by the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion. We recognize that to truly understand the human mind and the impact of contemplative practices, it must be through an inclusive approach that integrates diverse perspectives and experiences.
Impact of Mind & Life grants
Since 2004, Mind & Life has awarded more than $7.4 million to over 290 projects in 31 US states and in 21 countries. As a result, our grantees have gone on to compete successfully for over $200 million in follow-on grant funding from other sources.
Follow-on funding estimate last calculated July 2023.
Where are our funded projects?
Mind & Life is pleased to have supported contemplative research and think tanks through our grants programs. To date we have funded projects in 30 US states and in 27 countries, across 6 continents. Click any pin in the map below to learn more about each project.
Meet our grantees
Read more about some of the impactful projects funded by Mind & Life:
Helen Weng (Varela Grants, PEACE Grant): Using Science to Spread a Message of Compassion, Equity, and Inclusion
Eric Garland (Varela Grant): How One Scientist is Using Mindfulness to Transform Treatment for Pain and Addiction
Jennifer Mascaro (PEACE Grant): Cultivating Compassion in Healthcare: One Researcher’s Journey
Juan Santoyo (Think Tank Grant): Seeding Peace in the Heart of Conflict: A Think Tank Project in Colombia
Types of Mind & Life Grants
Varela Grants fund rigorous examinations of contemplative techniques to provide greater insight into their application for reducing human suffering and promoting flourishing. Grants of $25,000 are awarded annually to junior researchers and scholars who have attended the Mind & Life Summer Research Institute.
Initially part of the PEACE grants program, the Samuel B. Hanser Visionary Grant is a $25,000 grant given to honor the life of Samuel B. Hanser. The program seeks to support the development of innovative research that makes a significant contribution to our understanding of the effects and mechanisms of contemplative practices on body, mind, and spirit.
Funded by the BESS Family Foundation, the BESS Family Foundation grants are $25,000 awards given annually to researchers focused on investigating the impact of earth awareness practices on human well-being, and the extent to which those practices foster greater understanding of interconnection and reciprocity with nature.
The Laurisa S. Dill Legacy Award is a $25,000 annual grant established by Laurisa’s family to honor her life and passion for mindfulness education and contemplative research. The award will fund one contemplative research project each year, continuing Laurisa’s commitment to advancing mental health, community well-being, and scientific inquiry.
Mind & Life grants and funding have catalyzed the interdisciplinary field of contemplative science, sparking an exponential increase in related academic research and helping launch the careers of promising young investigators. Learn more about our legacy grants programs.
Mind & Life also awards multiple distinctions on an annual or biennial basis: the Catherine Kerr Award for Courageous and Compassionate Science, the Mind & Life Service Award, and the Mind & Life Award for Public Communication of Contemplative Research .
Interested in applying for a grant? Note that there is a single application for all Mind & Life Research Grants; submitting a grant proposal entails that you will be considered for all awards (Varela, Hanser, Dill, BESS). Our reviewers will determine which award your project is best suited for upon review.
Please read the full Request for Proposals (RFP) for more information
