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KenekticFoundation

Grant Programs

We fund organizations and researchers tackling loneliness from every angle — research, community programs, education, equity, policy, and innovation.

Apply for a Grant

Research Grants

$25,000 – $150,000

We fund rigorous studies on the causes, consequences, and solutions for loneliness and social isolation. Priority is given to research with practical implications for intervention design and public policy.

Who Can Apply

Academic institutions, research organizations, independent researchers with institutional affiliation

Example Projects

  • Longitudinal studies on friendship formation in adults
  • Meta-analyses of loneliness intervention effectiveness
  • Neurological studies on social connection and brain health

Community Programs

$15,000 – $100,000

We support grassroots organizations creating spaces for authentic human connection. We prioritize programs that are sustainable, replicable, and centered on genuine relationship building.

Who Can Apply

Community-based nonprofits, houses of worship, libraries, recreation centers, grassroots organizations

Example Projects

  • Weekly friendship circles for isolated seniors
  • Intergenerational mentorship programs
  • Community dinner programs in underserved neighborhoods

Education & Awareness

$20,000 – $120,000

We fund initiatives that raise public understanding of loneliness as a serious health issue. From school curricula to public campaigns, we support efforts to build loneliness literacy.

Who Can Apply

Media organizations, educational institutions, public health agencies, advocacy groups

Example Projects

  • Social-emotional learning curricula for K-12 schools
  • Public awareness campaigns on loneliness and health
  • Training programs for healthcare providers on social screening

Access & Equity

$10,000 – $150,000

We address loneliness among populations that face the greatest barriers to connection. Grants support culturally responsive programs that meet people where they are.

Who Can Apply

Organizations serving underserved populations including elderly, rural, LGBTQ+, immigrant, neurodivergent, and low-income communities

Example Projects

  • Mobile friendship programs for rural communities
  • Peer support networks for LGBTQ+ youth
  • Language-accessible connection programs for immigrant communities

Policy & Systems Change

$30,000 – $200,000

We support efforts to establish loneliness as a recognized public health priority at local, state, and federal levels. This includes policy research, coalition building, and advocacy.

Who Can Apply

Policy research organizations, think tanks, advocacy coalitions, public health departments

Example Projects

  • State-level social isolation task force development
  • Policy briefs on loneliness and healthcare costs
  • Advocacy for social connection metrics in public health reporting

Innovation Pilots

$20,000 – $100,000

We fund experimental approaches to combating loneliness. These short-term grants support prototyping and testing new models with potential for significant impact.

Who Can Apply

Any organization with a bold, evidence-informed idea for building authentic connection at scale

Example Projects

  • Workplace friendship programs for remote employees
  • Community-based social prescribing models
  • Technology-assisted (not technology-replacing) connection tools

Application Timeline

Two cycles per year

Spring Cycle

  • Applications openJanuary 15
  • DeadlineMarch 15
  • Decisions announcedBy May 1

Fall Cycle

  • Applications openJuly 15
  • DeadlineSeptember 15
  • Decisions announcedBy November 1

How to Apply

Six simple steps

1

Determine Eligibility

Review program requirements to confirm your organization and project qualify for funding.

2

Prepare Materials

Gather your project proposal, budget, organizational details, and evidence of impact potential.

3

Submit Application

Complete the online application form with your project details and supporting documents.

4

Review Process

Our review committee evaluates applications based on alignment, feasibility, and potential impact.

5

Notification

Applicants are notified of funding decisions within 6 weeks of the application deadline.

6

Grant Agreement

Approved grantees sign an agreement outlining deliverables, reporting requirements, and timelines.

Start Your Application

Questions? Contact us at grants@kenektic.org

Frequently Asked Questions

For applicants

Who is eligible to apply?
501(c)(3) nonprofits, academic institutions, government agencies, and other tax-exempt organizations are eligible. Some programs accept applications from individuals with institutional affiliation. We do not fund for-profit companies.
Can I apply to more than one program?
Yes. Organizations may submit applications to multiple programs, but each application should be for a distinct project. We do not fund the same project through multiple programs.
What is the application timeline?
We operate two cycles per year. Spring cycle: Opens January 15, Deadline March 15, Decisions by May 1. Fall cycle: Opens July 15, Deadline September 15, Decisions by November 1.
What reporting is required?
All grantees submit a mid-term progress report and a final report detailing outcomes, lessons learned, and financial accounting. We also encourage sharing research findings publicly.
How are applications evaluated?
Applications are reviewed by our grants committee based on: mission alignment, evidence base, feasibility, team qualifications, potential for impact, and equity considerations.