The Carnegie Corporation of New York, now known as the Andrew Carnegie Foundation, is inviting applications for strategic funding programmes supporting innovative projects that address major global challenges.
One of the latest opportunities focuses on reducing nuclear dangers by funding research, policy initiatives, technology solutions, and capacity-building projects aimed at lowering global nuclear risks.
The funding opportunity is designed for organisations, researchers, universities, and institutions developing practical solutions with measurable impact.
About Carnegie Strategic Funding Opportunities
Carnegie funding programmes support initiatives that contribute to:
- International peace
- Global security
- Policy innovation
- Institutional development
- Research-based solutions
The current funding call is delivered through the Consortium to Reduce Nuclear Dangers, a philanthropic partnership supporting action-oriented projects that reduce nuclear risks.
The consortium includes Carnegie Corporation of New York, Longview Philanthropy, PAX sapiens, Founders Pledge, Global Challenges Foundation, and other partners.
Funding Areas
Applicants should submit projects that align with at least one of the following focus areas.
1. Escalation, Crisis Instability and Multi-Domain Risk
This area supports projects addressing factors that increase nuclear risks, including:
- Crisis prevention
- Conflict management
- Nuclear strategic stability
- Deterrence challenges
- AI, cyber, and space-related security risks
- Communication during international crises
Projects should demonstrate how their activities can reduce risks and improve decision-making during high-risk situations.
2. Verification, Monitoring and Risk Transparency
This funding area supports projects that improve the ability to detect, analyse, and monitor nuclear-related developments.
Eligible approaches may include:
- Open-source data analysis
- Simulation models
- Verification research
- Early warning systems
- Monitoring technologies
3. Governance, Institutional Capacity and Expert Talent
This area focuses on strengthening organisations and expertise needed to manage nuclear risks.
Projects may include:
- Policy development initiatives
- Institutional reforms
- Expert training programmes
- Fellowship models
- Partnerships between researchers and decision-makers
The consortium prioritises projects that create long-term improvements rather than short-term activities.
Carnegie Grant Funding Amounts
The programme offers two funding levels.
Small Grants
Funding Amount: $50,000 – $200,000
Duration: Up to two years
Small grants support focused projects that test ideas, explore emerging challenges, or develop targeted solutions.
Large Grants
Funding Amount: $200,000 – $1,000,000
Duration: Up to three years
Large grants support bigger projects with clear pathways toward reducing nuclear risks and achieving measurable impact.
Who Can Apply?
The funding opportunity welcomes applications from:
- Think tanks
- University research centres
- Independent NGOs
- Individual researchers
- International organisations with equivalent structures
Applicants from both the United States and other countries are eligible.
Early-career and mid-career researchers are encouraged to apply, particularly under the small-grant category.
Eligible Project Themes
Projects may focus on:
- Policy research
- Advocacy and policy engagement
- Data and monitoring tools
- Strategic risk modelling
- Crisis simulations
- Training and talent development
- Research partnerships
Application Requirements
Applicants must explain:
Problem
Describe the specific nuclear risk or governance challenge being addressed.
Intervention
Identify the approach being used, such as research, training, technology tools, or policy engagement.
Activities and Outputs
Applicants should explain planned activities and expected deliverables, including reports, workshops, simulations, or datasets.
Expected Outcomes
Projects should demonstrate how activities will influence decisions, policies, or practices that reduce nuclear risks.
Application Deadline
Applications must be submitted online before:
29 May 2026 (before midnight ET)
Final funding decisions are expected in late fall or winter 2026.
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Importance and clarity of the problem addressed
- Strength of the proposed solution
- Project feasibility
- Ability to influence decision-makers
- Applicant expertise and institutional capacity
Why Apply for Carnegie Funding?
Successful applicants can gain support to:
- Expand impactful research
- Develop innovative policy solutions
- Strengthen institutional capacity
- Build expert networks
- Influence global security decisions
The programme is particularly valuable for organisations working at the intersection of technology, policy, international relations, and global peace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are international applicants eligible?
Yes. Organisations and individuals outside the United States can apply.
Can individuals apply?
Yes. Individual researchers are eligible if they demonstrate relevant expertise and a realistic pathway to reducing nuclear risks.
Are collaborative projects encouraged?
Yes. Collaborative proposals are encouraged when partnerships strengthen credibility, expertise, and impact.
Final Thoughts
Carnegie Corporation strategic funding programmes provide researchers, NGOs, universities, and policy organisations with an opportunity to develop solutions addressing some of the world’s most complex security challenges.
With grants reaching up to $1 million, the programme offers significant support for innovative projects focused on reducing risks, strengthening governance, and developing expertise for long-term global impact.
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