The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation is a U.S.-based private foundation that funds research and education in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and economics to advance scientific knowledge and public understanding.
The Foundation works to enhance wellfare of all by advancing scientific knowledge.
The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation was established in 1934 by industrialist Alfred P. Sloan Jr., former President and Chairman of General Motors. Drawing on his experience observing how scientific and technological innovation contributed to economic growth, Sloan created the Foundation to support research, education, and the public understanding of science and economics. Over time, the Foundation expanded its grantmaking across scientific disciplines while maintaining a commitment to impartial, evidence-based inquiry. Sloan also initiated the Sloan Research Fellowships in 1955 to support early-career scientists. The Foundation continues to steward its founder’s philanthropic legacy in perpetuity.
The Foundation makes grants primarily to support original research and education in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and economics. It prioritizes projects led by outstanding individuals or teams that demonstrate methodological rigor, high potential societal return, and limited alternative funding sources. Grantmaking is nonpartisan and does not support political campaigns, lobbying, or advocacy. The Foundation generally does not fund individuals (except through its Books program), for-profit institutions, religion, medical research, or pre-college initiatives outside its New York City program. It accepts proposals on a rolling basis and periodically issues targeted calls.
Since 1934, the Foundation has played a sustained role in advancing scientific research and education. The Sloan Research Fellowships have supported early-career scientists, with nearly 60 former Fellows later receiving Nobel Prizes. The Foundation has funded initiatives that strengthen the scientific workforce, promote equity in STEM participation, and expand public understanding of science and technology through partnerships with media and cultural institutions. Its support for the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and other research initiatives has contributed to major discoveries in astronomy and related fields.
The Foundation collaborates with universities, research institutions, cultural organizations, and media partners. Through its Public Understanding program, it has supported more than 50 documentaries, including collaborations with PBS’s American Experience . It also supports initiatives that engage Minority Serving Institutions and promote broader participation in STEM fields.
The Foundation is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit private foundation dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge to improve welfare. It emphasizes rigorous, evidence-based inquiry and held assets of $2.17 billion as of December 31, 2024. Grant expenses totaled $94.8 million in 2024. The Foundation supports research, technology initiatives, fellowships, and public engagement efforts, with a commitment to broadening participation and inclusion in STEM.