Call for Proposals: Grants to Support Reducing Nuclear Dangers

Table of Contents

Background

The members of a new philanthropic consortium — currently Carnegie Corporation of New York, Longview Philanthropy, PAX sapiens, Founders Pledge, and an anonymous donor — invite a first call for applications for projects aimed at reducing nuclear dangers. Additional calls for applications are expected in the future.

Applicants requesting $50,000–$750,000 over two years are invited to submit a proposal. The deadline is before midnight ET on July 31, 2025.

Scope and Opportunity

The consortium seeks applications that propose innovative approaches and result in actionable recommendations. Applicants must address at least one of the following focus areas:

1. Emerging and Disruptive Technologies and Nuclear Dangers
   • For example, AI, space, cyber, or quantum technologies and their role in improving or worsening nuclear dangers or crises that could lead to nuclear use.
2. Future of Nonproliferation, Arms Control, and Disarmament
   • For example, the potential for a new proliferation landscape and novel approaches to new arms control arrangements, nuclear risk reduction, and disarmament.
3. Open-Source Information and Strategic Risk Modeling
   • For example, innovative uses of commercial satellite imagery and other available data to illuminate nuclear risks or assess nuclear escalation dynamics; using open-source public data for forecasting, escalation monitoring, early warning indicators, or interactive crisis simulation models.
4. Next-Generation Capacity Building
   • For example, fellowships, education programs (such as short courses or bootcamps), or interventions to improve the academic/policy pipeline.
5. Crisis Management, Stability, and Escalation Control
   • For example, maintaining reliable communication channels during nuclear crises, developing frameworks for de-escalation in the event of nuclear use, understanding decision-making under extreme stress, creating mechanisms for war limitation and termination, and ensuring communications systems remain functional during multi-domain conflicts.

Eligibility

We encourage submissions from U.S.-based or foreign think tanks, university-based centers, independent NGOs, and individual researchers.

Projects may build on past or current work but must represent an expansion or evolution of that work.

Application Guidelines and Recommendations

Initial concept notes must be no longer than 1,000 words and must clearly and concisely respond to all of the following questions:

• What specific problem or opportunity does your project seek to address?
• How does your proposed approach differ from or build upon existing efforts in the field?
• What potential material impact on nuclear risk do you anticipate this new approach will have, and how will you achieve that impact?
• Who is your target audience, and how will you engage them?
• Why are your institution(s) and people well-positioned to carry out this work?
• Are there any collaborators or partner institutions, and what is their role?
• What is the high-level budget for the project?

In addition to the concept note, applicants are also required to submit a filled-out PDF version of this document related to the project’s activities, objectives, and timeline.

While not required, collaborative applications are encouraged when they are well-aligned and complementary in nature. This could include multiple institutions and individual researchers affiliated with different institutions working together to complete a project.

Collaborative applications should clearly designate one organization that would lead the project and be responsible for grant delivery and reporting outcomes, as well as the other organizations and researchers and their roles in the project.

We welcome multiple submissions from the same institution or individual.

Application Process

All applications must be submitted online before midnight ET on July 31, 2025.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early submissions are encouraged.

Applicants who advance to the second round should be notified by August 19 and will be asked to submit an expanded proposal. Second-round submissions will be due by September 11.

Final decisions are expected by the end of September.

Information Session and FAQ

Watch the informational webinar recording about the consortium’s call for proposals for more insights on the application process, guidelines, and recommendations.

1. Who is eligible to apply?

The consortium welcomes proposals from a broad range of applicants, including individual researchers (even those unaffiliated with institutions), nonprofit organizations, think tanks, university centers, and international equivalents. Early-career applicants and those new to the nuclear policy field are encouraged to apply.

While prior experience in nuclear policy is not required, successful proposals should demonstrate a clear rationale, relevant expertise, and a feasible pathway to reducing nuclear risks.

2. What types of projects are in scope?

Proposals should align with at least one of the five priority areas outlined in the Call for Proposals. The consortium welcomes a wide range of approaches that are innovative, actionable, and aimed at reducing nuclear dangers.

This Nuclear Consortium was designed to encourage bold thinking and new approaches. Proposals that take thoughtful risks, pursue long-term impact, or explore new pathways are welcome.

3. What is the maximum funding amount and project duration?

Applicants may request up to $750,000 for a project duration of up to two years. Partial funding is possible, and shorter timelines (e.g., 18 months) are also acceptable. The budget should align with the proposed scope and be clearly justified.

4. What are the allowable indirect cost rates?

Carnegie Corporation: 15%

Longview Philanthropy: 10%, some exceptions possible

Pax sapiens: 15%, but lower is preferred

Founders Pledge: No hard cap, but lower is preferred

Note that each consortium partner will issue their own grant agreement, so indirect cost policies may vary accordingly.

5. What level of detail is required by the high-level budget?

Applicants are expected to submit a high-level budget that outlines the major categories of anticipated spending, such as: personnel, travel, events and workshops, research expenses, subcontracting, overhead/indirect costs rate.

The high-level budget should briefly describe how each cost supports the core activities described in the narrative and provide a total for the proposal request. While precise line-item detail is not required, the justification should be clear enough for reviewers to assess feasibility and cost-effectiveness. For instance, listing “$60,000 for research staff salary for 12 months” is appropriate, whereas stating “$100,000 for project costs” without explanation is not.

6. How are proposals reviewed and evaluated?

There are two stages of review:

Round 1: All consortium members assess each proposal.

Round 2: Selected proposals undergo external expert review and further consideration by interested consortium partners.

Proposals may be funded by one or more consortium members, and some may be contacted individually even if not selected collectively.

7. How does the consortium handle collaboration?

While collaboration is not required, it is encouraged when it strengthens a proposal. If multiple applicants submit complementary ideas, the consortium may facilitate introductions and potential joint applications.

8. Can applicants submit multiple proposals?

Yes. Applicants, whether individuals or institutions, are welcome to submit multiple proposals. Each submission should be distinct, clearly articulated, and aligned with the goals of the RFP.