Contemplative Changemaking Grants

Applications for 2023 Changemaking Grants will open on Nov 30, 2023. ( Updated July 28, 2023)

Overview

To support the use of contemplative approaches by grassroots change-makers addressing urgent community needs, Mind & Life launched a new Contemplative Changemaking Grants program in 2022.

The Contemplative Changemaking Grants, of up to $10,000 for a 2-year period, will fund small-scale, impact-oriented work undertaken by individuals, community workers, and non-profit organizations that ground themselves in contemplative practices to achieve real impact in people’s everyday lives.

Inspired by the Francisco J. Varela Research Grants—established by Mind & Life in 2004 to support scientists and scholars conducting contemplative research—the Contemplative Changemaking Grants are envisioned as a critical component of Mind & Life’s work to “inspire action toward flourishing.” Through these grants, we seek to encourage the expansion of contemplative practices and their benefits beyond the individual and into the community. Given the unprecedented challenges of our time, proposals will be encouraged across broad domains, including civic engagement, climate action, economic empowerment, education, physical and mental health, and social inclusion. Our hope is to support those seeking to integrate contemplative approaches into their work as a means of building resilience and agency for their community.

The impact of the grants—and the stories that emerge from these projects—will help to increase visibility and momentum around the role of contemplative practices in promoting positive social change.

How to Apply

Applications for this grant cycle will open on Nov 30, 2023. Please subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to date about announcements and other grant related news.

Please read the full Request for Proposals (RFP) for more information on project eligibility, how to apply etc.

More info (RFP) and Apply