Who funds spiritual innovation?

Who funds spiritual innovation will depend a great deal on your local context. Here we will describe some of the developments in the United States. As this site grows, we are eager to add updates about prominent funders in other contexts. Please add this information to the resource library here.

Increasingly, there are organizations and individuals ready to help spiritual innovators bring their vision to life, even though securing funding can be challenging. Foundations, denominations, even some congregations can be powerful allies, offering funding, mentorship, and networks to help your ideas grow. Some local community foundations and secular funders interested in belonging, justice, and wellbeing also recognize the value of spiritual innovation in addressing today’s deep needs. Check out the list below to get to know some of these funders in the United States. 

Beyond grants, private donors who share your passion or mission-aligned investors looking for social and financial returns may be eager to support your work. While it can take time and persistence to find the right partners, remember: there are people and organizations who believe, like you do, that nurturing the human spirit is essential—and they want to see your work thrive.

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Philanthropic Foundations

The frustrating truth is that no two philanthropic funders are the same. They have different processes to apply for funding, different timelines, and different priorities; and even once you’ve figured that out, they can change strategic direction as staff come and go. So, what we present here is not a definitive list—but hopefully a starting point for your own further research.

Below are some of the larger funders in the emerging landscape of spiritual innovation. There are many others, including local foundations and individuals, who may support your work and are not listed here. So keep exploring! 

Remember, an unsolicited email is very unlikely to yield a grant. At the heart of all fundraising work is relationship. So, although you are welcome to reach out to these organizations, try to connect with other practitioners who might be able to offer you an introduction, attend a public program hosted by the foundation, or write to them in response to a piece of work you’ve seen them support. Focus on building a relationship before you solicit funding.

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Spiritually-Expansive Funders

• The Fetzer Institute supports spiritual growth and transformation across traditions, with a focus on solving social problems with spiritual solutions. Fetzer recently launched a program focused specifically on spiritual innovation. 
• The Henry Luce Foundation funds projects at the intersection of religion, culture and global affairs that build understanding and support a healthy democratic and equitable society.
• The Templeton World Charity Foundation funds research and innovation in spirituality, science, and human flourishing around the world.
• Similarly, the John Templeton Foundation funds interdisciplinary research and catalyses conversations that inspire awe and wonder.
• The Templeton Religion Trust ​​funds projects and storytelling enriching the conversation about religion.
• The Freedom Together Foundation funds healing and justice projects integrating spirituality and collective liberation to defend and expand multiracial democracy. 
• The Kalliopeia Foundation focuses on ecology, spirituality, and culture projects reconnecting ecology, community, and spirit for collective and planetary renewal.
• The Healing Justice Foundation supports Black-led healing practices, mutual aid, and culturally centered radical self-care designed to sustain liberation work.

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Faith-Specific Funders

• Among Christian foundations, the Lilly Endowment is the largest funder of congregations and spiritual life in the United States. Other Christian funders of spiritual innovation include Forum for Theological Education, Wesleyan Impact Partners, The Epiphany Foundation, GHR Foundation, and denominationally affiliated foundations. 
• Jewish foundations supporting spiritual innovation include the Jim Joseph Foundation and their Common Era project, Schusterman Family Philanthropies, the Lippman Kanfer Foundation for Living Torah, The Covenant Foundation, and the Irving Harris Foundation.
• The Pillars Fund amplifies the leadership, narratives, and talents of Muslims in the United States while El-Hibri Charitable Foundation supports leadership development, capacity building and inclusion of American Muslims. 
• For Buddhist projects, the Hemera Foundation promotes contemplative practices that enhance self-awareness and promote compassionate, empathetic, and supportive relationships.

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Venture Capital Investors

Not all spiritual innovation organizations are non-profits, and some even seek venture capital. Here are a few VC firms that have a track record of supporting spiritual innovation projects, especially in tech.

• Spero Ventures invests in mission-driven technology companies in three focus areas: wellbeing; sustainability; and learning, work, and play.
• Bridge Builders Collective invests in start-up companies that empower mental health, consciousness, and spirituality.    
• The Conscious Fund invests in global early-stage ventures in psychedelic medicine, helping deliver better outcomes for mental health, addiction, and pain.
• Goodwater Capital invests in a wide array of ventures and is founded on Christian values.