Veneklasen Research Foundation Grant

Veneklasen Research Foundation Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Paul S Veneklasen Research Foundation
Last Updated: February 22, 2026

Summary

The Veneklasen Research Foundation Grant supports scientific research in acoustics and related fields, promoting high standards of research. Eligible applicants include public charities and individuals with a demonstrated interest in acoustics. The Foundation emphasizes careful stewardship of resources and maintains relationships within the private foundation community to enhance collaboration. Proposals are reviewed through a letter of inquiry and full proposals are by invitation only, ensuring alignment with the Foundation's mission and objectives.

Overview

NOTE: Letter of Inquiry - Rather than submitting a formal application with the supporting materials, the potential grantee may first wish to send a preliminary letter of inquiry to determine the Foundation’s interest in their request. Organizations or individuals which do not meet the initial criteria will be notified within 6 weeks of receipt of their proposal.Full Proposal - Invite Only - Proposals which meet the initial criteria will be evaluated more thoroughly and the staff may request additional information. The Board of Directors will review such proposals and make a decision to fund or not to fund the proposal. The Foundation Board meetings are held three times each year in the months of January, May, and September. Applications received by December 1st ordinarily will be reviewed the following January, by April 1st in May, and by August 1st in September. Veneklasen Research Foundation Grant Mission Statement It is the purpose of the Paul S. Veneklasen Research Foundation to sponsor scientific research in acoustics and, when deemed appropriate, in additional areas of interest that are related to acoustics. Related areas could include any combination of visual and performing arts or visual arts in combination with background music. The Board of Directors of the Foundation will have the sole authority to decide which proposed projects in the related areas category are acceptable for funding. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) defines acoustics as “the science of sound including its production, transmission and effects”. The conciseness of this definition belies the true scope of acoustics, for beginning in ancient times and continuing to this day, scientific investigation into the production, transmission, and effect of sound has resulted in an enormous library of knowledge. It is the purpose of this Foundation to promote further scientific research in acoustics. In keeping with Paul Veneklasen’s desires and values, supported research must meet the highest standards of research design and performance. True scientific investigation seeks truth. It is the Foundation’s objective to sponsor research which aligns with this objective. Charged with the stewardship of the Foundation’s resources, the Board of Directors is committed to the judicious utilization of its available assets. A portion of those assets is invested in a diverse portfolio that follows a long term, slightly conservative, investment philosophy. The United States is blessed with a large and diverse community of private foundations. It is the intent of the Foundation’s Board of Directors to develop and maintain sound relationships within this community in order to benefit from a wealth of shared resources and to contribute, whenever possible, to the success of this community. Over time, these actions, pursued diligently, will result in the emergence of the Foundation as a premier organization.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Restrictions of Eligibility for Funding:Eligibility of Public Charities:Public charities, as defined in Section 509 (a) (1) or (2) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, are eligible for funding. Documentation of the project tax exempt status is required. The Foundation cannot review a proposal unless it is submitted by a tax-exempt organization that takes full legal, fiscal and administration responsibility for the request. Eligibility of Organizations Other Than Public Charities: Grants to organizations which are not public charities (i.e. are not defined in Section 509 (a) (1) or (2) of the IRS Code) may be granted by the Foundation.In this type of grant the Foundation will exercise expenditure responsibility. The Foundation will make all reasonable effort to ensure that:the grant funds are spent solely for the purpose for which the grant was made,the grantee prepares and submits to the Foundation full and complete reports on fund expenditures, andthe grantee prepares and submits full and detailed reports to the IRS.  Eligibility of Individuals: The Foundation will consider grants to individuals. Grants to individuals will be awarded on a non-discriminating basis following procedures approved in advance by the IRS.The Foundation will consider grant requests from individuals under the following conditions: The individual’s request follows the objectives outlined in the Mission Statement and submits a proposal following the guidelines specified herein.The individual has shown by past work their interest and an advanced knowledge in acoustics.The individual demonstrates a keen desire to learn and to complete the research they are proposing.The individual agrees to the Foundation’s intent to publish the results of the research. Publication of the research will be in a publication approved by the Foundation. The Foundation will consider renewed funding at the end of the grant year. The Foundation does not make multi-year grants but the Board will consider renewal requests for up to 3 years (i.e. renewal for 2 years after the initial grant).

Ineligibility

The Foundation will not fund projects which, in the sole opinion of the Foundation, are not in keeping with the objectives outlined in the Foundation History and Mission Statement. Some examples of programs and applicants that would not be funded include the following:Social services programs Programs undertaken at government initiative Economic development or training programs