Lemelson Foundation Grant

Lemelson Foundation Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: The Lemelson Foundation
Last Updated: March 21, 2026

Summary

The Lemelson Foundation Grant supports initiatives in invention education and entrepreneurship, aiming to empower young inventors and foster innovation. With over $300 million provided since its inception, the Foundation focuses on strengthening ecosystems for invention in the U.S. and developing countries. Organizations interested in aligning with their mission are encouraged to take an eligibility quiz and submit inquiries through their contact form. This commitment is crucial for driving impactful solutions to global challenges.

Overview

NOTE: We are unable to consider unsolicited grant proposals. That said, we do appreciate learning about what organizations are doing in invention education and invention-based entrepreneurship. We invite you to review our approach and criteria, then take our eligibility quiz to determine if your organization’s work might align with The Lemelson Foundation’s. If you see potential alignment, you can submit a preliminary inquiry via our contact form. About Us The Lemelson Foundation was established by Jerome and Dorothy Lemelson in 1992 with the vision of cultivating future generations of inventors to create a better world. After twenty-five years of giving, the Foundation continues to be led by the Lemelson family. To date we have provided more than $300 million in support of our mission. Lemelson Foundation Grant The Lemelson Foundation invests in helping young people become inventors and in helping inventors change the world. To spur invention in the 21st century, we fund programs and projects in invention education and entrepreneurship as the solutions to a better future. Our Initiatives: Education - Developing STEM-based, invention educationEntrepreneurship - Supporting ecosystems for invention-based businesses from incubation to marketEcosystems - Fostering regional invention ecosystems for stronger economiesClimate - Leveraging the tools of invention and innovation to improve our climate

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. We are strengthening invention ecosystems in both the U.S. and developing countries (India and sub-Saharan Africa) to support pathways for inventors and inventions to take ideas to impact.

Ineligibility

If you are an inventor looking for support, we do not work with inventors directly, but support may be accessible through our partners.