Inspiring Awe & Wonder

Do we inhabit a multiverse? Do we have free will? Is evolution directional? Are we immortal? Was the universe created? What is love? We share Sir John Templeton’s optimism about the power of the sciences and other discovery-oriented disciplines to advance our understanding of the deepest and most perplexing questions facing humankind.

Our Vision & Purpose

Our vision is to become a global catalyst for discoveries that contribute to human flourishing.

Our purpose is to enable people to create lives of purpose and meaning.

Our Mission

The John Templeton Foundation funds research and catalyzes conversations that inspire people with awe and wonder.

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Our Impact

The work supported by the John Templeton Foundation crosses disciplinary, religious, and geographical boundaries. We fund work on subjects ranging from black holes and evolution to creativity, forgiveness, and free will. We also encourage civil, informed dialogue among scientists, philosophers, theologians, and the public at large.

Our grantees produce field-leading scholarship across the sciences, theology, and philosophy. From probing gravitational waves to updating the modern evolutionary synthesis, they have contributed to major discoveries in the basic sciences. Other grantees have opened critical new topics to scientific investigation, including prayer, gratitude, immortality, and imagination. In addition to supporting academic research, we fund a wide range of media — print, digital, broadcast, and film — to raise awareness about discoveries in ways that are clear and thought-provoking.

1.95 Billion

Total Giving as of 12/31/21

3.9 Billion

Endowment Size as of 12/31/21

58 Countries

With Organizations Receiving Grants

3,491

Grants

Given Since Inception

1.39 Million

Average Grant Size as of 12/31/21

300 Million

Grants to Top 25 World Universities (THE)

13.3K

Articles

in Journals Resulting from Grants

671 Books

Resulting from Grants

450K

Citations

of Funded Research

68 Staff

at the Foundation

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We invest in bold ideas from contrarian thinkers — ideas that cross disciplinary boundaries and challenge conventional assumptions.

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News & Insights

Our grantees are advancing the boundaries of knowledge and contributing to human wellbeing. Learn more about how these ideas are turning into action.

VISIT NEWS & INSIGHTS