PLOUGHSHARES FUND INC logo

Bold Experiments Grants

PLOUGHSHARES FUND INC

Foundation Annual Social Justice Grants
Apply Now

Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

September 1, 2026

146 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Bold Experiments Grants

Overview: This portfolio invests in exciting projects with the potential to revitalize the nuclear threat reduction field through transformational thinking and activities.

Focus Areas:

  • Support transformational thinking and activities in nuclear arms control and policy

  • Address gap in community efforts beyond incremental policy disputes

  • Long-term planning for fundamental change

  • Challenge the nuclear policy status quo

  • Bold experimentation that brings closer to a world free of nuclear threat

  • Identify and foster transformational approaches to reducing nuclear risks

  • Create favorable terrain for major, long-term change

  • Visions, coalitions, and projects that fundamentally challenge status quo

    • Types of Projects Funded:

  • Start-up funding for novel ideas and activities

  • Proof-of-concept funding

  • Innovative approaches to nuclear threat reduction

  • Creative and unconventional solutions

    • Rationale: The nuclear field has been "stuck in status quo thinking" and despite occasional successes, has seen overall regression in nuclear weapons policy. This portfolio aims to support projects that can break through current limitations.

    Geographic Scope: International organizations eligible

    What Ploughshares Funds:

  • Organizations and people working to reduce nuclear threats

  • Direct and grassroots lobbying

  • Grants to individuals

  • International organizations

  • Experimental and innovative approaches

    • What Ploughshares Does NOT Fund:

  • Scholarships

  • Research and writing of dissertations or books

  • Overhead costs at academic institutions

  • Films, videos, and art projects (considered case-by-case)

    • Contact: Kaite Lower, klower@ploughshares.org

    How to Apply

    How to Apply

    1. Review Funding Priorities - Determine if your project fits into Ploughshares' areas of interest
    2. Submit Online Application - Use the online application portal during the open application period
    3. Complete DEIA Questions - Optional questions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (information kept confidential)
    4. Provide Project Details - Describe how your project represents bold, transformational thinking and experimentation

    Application Timeline

    Fall 2026 Grant Cycle:

  • Opening Date: July 27, 2026

  • Closing Date: September 1, 2026

  • Application link will be available on the Grants page on July 27

    • Discretionary Grants (Between Board Meetings)

    For urgent projects:
    1. Submit Inquiry - Send brief description and topline budget to program team
    2. Wait for Response - Staff will determine if full proposal is appropriate
    3. Award Amount: Up to $50,000 for urgent projects aligned with highest priority funding areas

    Additional Resources

    • Grantee Portal: Applicants may visit the Ploughshares grantee portal at any time to check proposal status or view current grants
    • Application FAQ: Available for download on the application page
    • Questions: Contact Kaite Lower at klower@ploughshares.org
    Apply with Grantable Learn more

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    social-justice

    Categories

    Browse similar grants by category

    Social Justice Grants

    Related Grants

    Similar grants from this funder and related organizations

    Foundation

    Supporting Democratic Participation in Austria

    Amount

    Up to USD 50,000

    Deadline

    Rolling / Open

    One-time
    Foundation

    Strengthening Democratic Resilience and Civil Society in Poland

    Amount

    Varies

    Deadline

    Rolling / Open

    Rolling (Quarterly)
    Foundation

    FORWARD Puerto Rico Fund

    Amount

    $8,772,732 (distributed to date from $9,959,706.54 raised)

    Deadline

    Rolling / Open

    Ongoing
    Foundation

    Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Award

    Amount

    $2,500 (personal recognition) + $7,500 (for initiative)

    Deadline

    Rolling / Open

    Annual
    Foundation

    ANCA Leo Sarkisian Internship Program

    Amount

    Varies

    Deadline

    Rolling / Open

    Annual
    Foundation

    Imagined in Cambridge! Social Innovation Award

    Amount

    $25,000 total (distributed among winners)

    Deadline

    Rolling / Open

    Annual

    Ready to apply for Bold Experiments Grants?

    Grantable helps you assess fit, draft narratives, and track deadlines — so you can submit stronger applications, faster.

    Apply with Grantable Learn more