PEACE Grants

Applications for the 2024 cycle are now closed.

Research on contemplation offers a rich opportunity for understanding the mind and its capacity for change, and programs delivering contemplative training in various settings have expanded globally. Our knowledge of cognitive, physiological, and clinical effects of these practices has grown steadily, in large part due to the ongoing efforts of the Mind & Life Institute and our community of scholars. Expanding from awareness-based contemplative practices to the cultivation of virtuous, prosocial qualities and actions is clearly warranted to support not only individual well-being but also interpersonal well-being, societal flourishing, and human-earth connection. 

To this end, Mind & Life is pleased to lead the development of this field through our PEACE Grants. This funding mechanism supports projects that advance our understanding of wholesome mental qualities and positive interpersonal and social action related to Prosociality, Empathy, Altruism, Compassion, and Ethics (PEACE). Mind & Life PEACE grants will fund projects that advance our understanding of the mechanisms, implementation, and outcomes of contemplative approaches to promote well-being and prosocial behavior in individuals and communities. This grant program encourages the active collaboration of scientists with contemplative scholars/practitioners in all phases of research. Two levels of funding are offered—$25,000 and $100,000—for projects that can be completed in a two-year time frame.

Please read the full Request for Letters of Intent for more information.

For any questions about the PEACE Grants, please see the FAQ, or email grants@mindandlife.org.

Samuel B. Hanser Visionary Grant

Since 2020, one of the awarded PEACE grants ($25,000) is designated as the Samuel B. Hanser Visionary Grant, given to honor the life of Samuel B. Hanser, to support the development of innovative research that makes a significant contribution to our understanding of the effects and mechanisms of contemplative practices on body, mind, and spirit.

The 2023 Samuel B. Hanser Visionary Grant was awarded to Blake Colaianne for the project “Skillful means and compassion in high school: Exploring a relational approach to compassion training with adolescents”.

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Congratulations to our
2023 PEACE Grant Recipients

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2024 PEACE Grants Review Committee