The Stanton Nuclear Security Fund, a successor to the Stanton Foundation, is launching a new nuclear security grant program. The program is open to US based researchers at non-profit organizations who are conducting nuclear security research as defined by the Fund. The Fund's definition includes nuclear war, nuclear terrorism, nuclear proliferation, nuclear weapons, deterrence, nuclear force posture, nuclear use doctrine, and security assurances, and, as it relates to nuclear security, nuclear energy. Grant money should be used for research that will result in a tangible product at the end of the grant period–grant money will not be awarded solely for conference or travel expenses.
Step 1 — Initial Proposal
The application process is a 2-step process. The purpose of Step 1 is to determine if the applicant’s prior work and experience qualify them to apply for a grant and if the topic the applicant intends to research meets the definition of nuclear security issues as defined by the Fund and is useful for nuclear policymaking. All qualified applicants should send their CV, citizenship status, and no more than a 3 page description of their proposed research to [email protected] by Thursday, October 1, 2026.
Step 2 — Full Proposal
The Stanton Advisory Panel will review each Step 1 submission and notify applicants by Friday, October 23, 2026, if they should proceed with Step 2. Step 2 requires a more detailed proposal no more than six pages in length (excluding budget) and including a detailed budget. The proposal should also include your plan for publishing and otherwise disseminating the results of your research. Step 2 proposals will be due by November 20, 2026.
Grants will be awarded for projects that last up to 2 years, and annual awards are expected to range from $50,000-$150,000 each, although proposals above $150,000 will be considered.
Other Details
• Winning proposals will be notified by no later than Friday, December 18, 2026.
• Overhead is limited to no more than 10% of the total project’s budget.
• Professors can use budget dollars to buy out no more than half of their course time.
• All funded proposals will be expected to submit midterm and final project and financial reports.
If you are interested in this opportunity, email Jessica Coakley at [email protected] using your institutional email address to receive details and formats for submitting your proposal.