Dear Potential Grantee of the John Templeton Foundation:

My colleagues and I are delighted that you are taking the time to get to know us. Our high aspirations can be achieved only through the vision, passion, and action of extraordinary grantees around the world. We are in the business of actively "talent scouting" for people and projects of exceptional promise in our Core Funding Areas.

We are "investors," not just donors. We seek high-potential projects likely to generate a significant "return on investment," particularly in the sense of enduring impact relative to the resources invested. This "return" belongs to you and to the world. It exists in the form of new discoveries and breakthroughs, as well as in new ways of looking at old problems.

We are especially interested in bold ideas that cross disciplinary boundaries to engage the Big Questions in our Core Funding Areas. The division of labor and increasing specialization in most fields mean that some of the most interesting, difficult, and profound questions do not get addressed. We try to give great minds the space and resources to stretch their imaginations. We want to work with contrarians and with intellectual entrepreneurs in fulfilling Sir John’s motto: “How little we know, how eager to learn.”

We want our grantmaking process to be as rigorous, systematic, and un-bureaucratic as possible, while achieving excellence at every level. We have an obligation to be good stewards of the Foundation's resources, so we work hard to ensure that we make fair and appropriate decisions. This requires detailed grant proposals and comprehensive expert review. At the same time, we have tried to design an application process that is as transparent and efficient as possible. We recognize and appreciate your “sweat equity.”

We aim to be a catalyst that sparks imagination and innovation and that transforms both lives and world views. We are fortunate to be able to assist many highly gifted people and distinguished institutions around the world. Whenever possible, we try to foster the sort of breakthrough discoveries that can give rise to new disciplines and notable career developments. We want our grantees to realize their fullest potential.

Effective philanthropy can be exciting and great fun, for both the grantmaker and the grantee. We are delighted by your interest in Sir John’s goals for the Foundation, and we look forward to learning of your ideas and creative approaches. For us, that is the truest tradition of excellence and stewardship in philanthropy.

Sincerely,
Dr. Jack Templeton
Chairman and President

What We Fund