The Searle Freedom Trust is primarily interested in supporting domestic public policy research. Recognizing that good policymaking relies on the availability of high-quality research, the foundation invests primarily in scholarship that results in the publication of books, journal articles, and policy papers. Funding is typically provided in the form of research grants, fellowships, and other types of targeted project support.
The Searle Freedom Trust also provides funding for public interest litigation and supports outreach to the public through a variety of forums, including sponsorship of research conferences and seminars, film and journalism projects, and new media initiatives.
With the foundation’s assistance, university and think tank scholars investigate a wide range of issues, including:
- Tax and budget policy
- Cost-benefit analysis of regulatory practices and proposals
- The workings of the legal system
- Environmental policy
- Social welfare reform
- K-12 and higher education policy
Grant proposals should be submitted online and should include:
- A project description
- The project budget
- The organization’s annual budget
- Any supporting materials
- A list of key supporters
- Evidence of the organization’s non-profit status
The foundation’s board meets three times per year. Proposals received after the deadline may be considered at the next board meeting or will be held until the following meeting.
The Searle Freedom Trust will not typically support the following:
- Building projects
- Individuals
- Organizations that are not non-profit, charitable organizations
- Organizations that are primarily dependent upon government funds
- Capital campaigns
- Endowments
It is the foundation’s policy not to support unspecified overhead costs associated with university research projects.
Dollar Amount: $50,000+
Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Varies
Foundation Website: https://searlefreedomtrust.org/about/