Alfred P. Sloan Basic Research

Guidelines differ for proposals under $125,000 and over $125,000

Formatting and content requirements for formal grant proposals vary according to whether the proposed project is for academic research or for some other activity and according to whether the amount requested is greater than $125,000. 

If your project is for...	...and you are requesting	then
Research	$125,000 or less	Use these guidelines
Research	More than $125,000	Use these guidelines
Some other purpose	$125,000 or less	Use these guidelines
Some other purpose	More than $125,000	Use these guidelines

Basic ResearchThe Foundation believes that a carefully reasoned and systematic understanding of the forces of nature and society, when applied inventively and wisely, can lead to a better world for all.  With its Basic Research program area, the Foundation expands that understanding by funding original, high-quality  research in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.  Grants in the Basic Research program area promise to substantively benefit society or significantly add to the body of scientific knowledge.  By funding basic research, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation has created a digital survey of the sky, is advancing species identification and discovery worldwide, and is crafting a better understanding of the built environment in which we live.What We Don't Fund

• The Foundation does not make grants to individuals.

• Except in rare circumstances, the Foundation does not make grants to for-profit institutions.

• The Foundation does not make grants in religion, medical research or the humanities.

• The Foundation does not make grants to projects aimed at pre-college students.

• The Foundation does not make grants to projects in the creative or performing arts, except when those projects are related to educating the public about science, technology or economics.

• The Foundation does not make grants for endowments, buildings or equipment, or fundraising drives, including fundraising dinners.

• The Foundation does not make grants to political campaigns, to support political activities or to lobby for or against particular pieces of legislation.