Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

September 1, 2026

146 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Expanding Capacity Grants

Overview: This portfolio funds efforts to expand the nuclear threat reduction field and position it for success.

Focus Areas:

  • Building the nuclear threat reduction field

  • Growing key skill sets within the field

  • Diversifying field perspectives

  • Encouraging collaboration among organizations and experts

  • Broadening the constituency for nuclear issues

  • Fellowships and training programs

  • Leadership development initiatives

  • Diversity and inclusion efforts
  • Examples of Supported Work:

  • Nuclear Futures Fellowship programs

  • Training in forecasting and systems thinking

  • Field-building initiatives

  • Capacity building for organizations and individuals
  • 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

  • Fellowships and training programs
  • 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 aligns with field-building and capacity expansion goals

    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

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    capacity-buildingprofessional-development

    Categories

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