The Lemelson Foundation
Portland, Oregon · EIN 880391959 · Private foundation
Based in Portland, Oregon, The Lemelson Foundation has awarded $75.7M across 307 grants in our index of public IRS filings, with giving recorded as recently as 2024. Its largest grant on record went to Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This public overview covers its focus areas, selected grant examples, and application guidance.
What The Lemelson Foundation funds
The Lemelson Foundation's giving carries a documented focus on adult education, arts & culture, civil rights & social justice, community improvement, economic development, and related causes.
Populations it has supported include black communities, children, foster youth, hispanic communities, indigenous, low-income communities.
Selected grant examples
Up to three historical grant examples from public IRS filings are shown below, ordered by amount. This sample is not a complete funding history.
| Recipient | Location | Grant | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology TO CONTINUE SUPPORT FOR THE LEMELSON-MIT PROGRAM INCLUDING THE LEMELSON-MIT PRIZE, STUDENT PRIZE PROGRAM, INVENTEAM PROGRAM, AND JV INVENTEA | Cambridge, MA | $4.5M | 2020 |
| National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance TO SUPPORT EARLY-STAGE STUDENT INVENTORS TO DEVELOP AND COMMERCIALIZE PRODUCTS THAT CREATE SOCIAL OR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT, AND TO SUPPORT FA | Hadley, MA | $3.1M | 2019 |
| National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance TO SUPPORT PROMISING, EARLY-STAGE STUDENT INVENTORS IN THE VENTURE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS, AND TO SUPPORT FACULTY TO CULTIVATE THE CONDITIONS T | Hadley, MA | $3.1M | 2020 |
How to apply for funding from The Lemelson Foundation
The Lemelson Foundation's public IRS filing does not spell out a formal application process. That does not establish that applications are open. Check the foundation's official website or contact it directly for current guidelines before preparing or sending a request. You can review the foundation directly at lemelson.org.
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Frequently asked questions about The Lemelson Foundation
- Does The Lemelson Foundation accept grant applications?
- The Lemelson Foundation's public filing does not specify an application process. A filing alone cannot confirm whether applications are currently open. Check the foundation's official website or contact it for current guidelines.
- What does The Lemelson Foundation fund?
- The Lemelson Foundation's grants focus on adult education. Example recipients include Massachusetts Institute of Technology, National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance. Up to three historical grant examples appear above. Full indexed grant histories require All access at $19/month.
- How much does The Lemelson Foundation give in grants?
- The Lemelson Foundation reported $14.9M in grants in an indexed IRS filing (FY2020). Across all years in our data it has awarded $75.7M over 307 grants.
- Where is The Lemelson Foundation located?
- The Lemelson Foundation is based in Portland, Oregon. Its IRS employer identification number (EIN) is 880391959.
- How can I find foundations similar to The Lemelson Foundation?
- Compare priorities, past recipients, and grant sizes with your program. Bespoke Grants includes one free successful search per account, for life, with up to three sourced matches. No card. Further searches and full research cost $19/month.
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