INDEPENDENT • TRANSPARENT • EVIDENCE-BASED

Philanthropy
for a wiser world.

The Sapiens Institute directs philanthropic capital toward the highest-leverage opportunities to advance human understanding, ethical progress, and long-term flourishing.

Trusted by 140+ philanthropists and foundations
Our Purpose

We fund the pursuit of wisdom.

Sapiens Institute was founded on the conviction that the greatest philanthropic returns come from deepening humanity’s collective intelligence and moral clarity.

We identify and support exceptional researchers, institutions, and initiatives that generate durable knowledge about human nature, society, and our shared future. Our grants emphasize intellectual rigor, long time horizons, and measurable progress toward human flourishing.

Independent
Free from political or commercial influence
High-leverage
Focus on catalytic, not merely incremental, work
Transparent
Full public reporting on grants and outcomes
Programs

Where we direct support

Human Inquiry Fund

Grants for foundational research in cognitive science, moral philosophy, anthropology, and the history of ideas.

Active • 47 grants awarded

Sapiens Fellowships

Multi-year support for outstanding early- and mid-career scholars working on questions central to human progress.

2026 cohort now open

Knowledge Translation

Bridging rigorous research and real-world decision makers through reports, convenings, and public scholarship.

12 major reports published

Global Dialogue

International convenings that bring together thinkers across cultures to address civilizational challenges.

Next: Geneva, Sept 2026
Results

Measurable progress toward a wiser future.

$52.4M
Total grants awarded since 2018
341
Projects and initiatives funded
87
Countries with active grantees
4,180
Scholars and practitioners supported

"The fellowship gave me the intellectual freedom and time to pursue a project that has already influenced two major policy reports on AI governance."

Dr. Aisha Rahman
Oxford Internet Institute

"Sapiens Institute’s support enabled the first large-scale longitudinal study on moral development across six societies. The data is now open for researchers worldwide."

Prof. Michael Torres
Stanford Center for Human Development

"Their convenings are the only place where I regularly encounter both leading philosophers and working policymakers in the same room."

Dr. Lena Hoffmann
Global Priorities Institute
Support the work

Give with confidence and clarity.

Your gift directly funds high-quality, independent inquiry that would otherwise go unsupported.

ONE-TIME
Direct Grant

Any amount. 100% of your gift goes to our grantmaking programs.

RECOMMENDED
MONTHLY
Sapiens Sustainer

Reliable support that lets us plan multi-year commitments to scholars.

MAJOR GIFTS
Named Funds

Create a dedicated fund in your name or honor a cause. $250,000+.

Make a gift

All donations are tax-deductible in the United States.

Prefer to give by wire, stock, or DAF? Contact our development team
Our commitment

Radical transparency and high standards.

We publish every grant, every evaluation, and our full audited financial statements each year. We measure success not by dollars distributed but by the quality and durability of the knowledge generated.
2025 Annual Report available
IRS Form 990 (public)
Independent evaluations
Get in touch

Questions about our work or giving?

We welcome inquiries from potential donors, scholars, and partners.

General inquiries
hello@sapiensinstitute.org
Development & Major Gifts
development@sapiensinstitute.org
Mailing address
Sapiens Institute
175 Cambridgepark Drive, Suite 400
Cambridge, MA 02140
United States
Sapiens Institute is a 501(c)(3) public charity. Our tax identification number is available upon request.