Think Tanks

Next application period: March 26 to May 19, 2021

Funding decisions announced in September

Mind & Life Think Tanks are self-organized gatherings designed to foster insight and inspire action around an area of inquiry that bridge contemplation, research, and action. Small groups—of scientists, scholars, changemakers, contemplative practitioners, and applied professionals—convene to workshop a topic with well-defined outcomes and potentially high impact.

Proposals must demonstrate relevance to the mission of the Mind & Life Institute. We have a particular interest in supporting projects that examine the role of contemplative practices in fostering interconnection, and/or addressing issues of disconnection either at the societal level (e.g., othering) or at the individual level (e.g., loneliness, depression, addiction, trauma). In this context, “contemplative” practices are defined in a broad sense—including various forms of meditation, embodied or movement-based practices, introspection and awareness of mind-body states, reflective writing, contemplative prayer, etc. Please read the Application Information for more details.

Grants of up to $15,000 (USD) will be awarded to strong proposals that cultivate collaborations between researchers and applied practitioners, embrace multi-disciplinarity, engage leaders and changemakers, have social and ethical relevance, and include diverse participants (in terms of gender, race, ethnicity, ability, geographical location, expertise, etc.).

** Please note: The Think Tank grants may not be used to cover indirect/overhead/administrative costs when applicants are affiliated with a university or other large institution. See the Think Tanks FAQ for more information.

Application Information

Think Tanks FAQ

Post-Award Guidelines

Past Recipients

For questions about this grant program, please see the Think Tanks FAQ, or contact ThinkTanks@mindandlife.org.