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Apply for Funding

INVESTING IN IDEAS WITH THE POTENTIAL TO GROW.

Scope and Mission

The Frick Initiatives invest in ambitious ideas connected to four core pillars: civil discourse, free speech, free and open markets and personal responsibility.
 
Our focus is on action. We seek promising projects that move ideas beyond discussion and into practice, whether through education, applied research, public engagement, community partnerships or new approaches we have not yet imagined. We welcome thoughtful experimentation and calculated risk, while prioritizing projects with clear goals, measurable outcomes and the potential to grow or inform work beyond their initial investment.
 
The Frick Initiatives are administered by the Weidenbaum Center at Washington University in St. Louis.

Program Details

Key Dates

Q&A Webinar (Zoom)- September 1, 2026 at 12pm CST

Letter of Inquiry Deadline (optional)- October 2, 2026

Full Proposal Deadline (required)- November 13, 2026

Award PeriodUp to 2 years depending on the needs of the project
Award Amount                                                                                       Most awards will range from $500 to $50,000. The Frick Initiatives reserve the right to make larger investments in particularly compelling opportunities that align closely with the mission and demonstrate the potential for significant civic impact.


Eligibility

The Frick Initiatives welcome proposals from WashU faculty, students, staff, academic units and external organizations. Priority will be given to projects led by individuals or organizations affiliated with Washington University, but this affiliation is not required to apply.

Proposals by or in conjunction with external organizations are encouraged when they advance the mission of the Frick Initiatives and demonstrate the potential for meaningful impact. All applicants must identify a designated project lead who will be responsible for project oversight, reporting and stewardship of awarded funds.

Questions?

Please reach out to Dr. Kristin Henningfeld (kforinger@wustl.edu) for questions related to project design, eligibility and application components. Director Andrew Reeves (reeves@wustl.edu) and Associate Director Elizabeth Larson (elizabeth.larson@wustl.edu) are also available for consultation by email. 

The Letter of Inquiry is a brief, preliminary description of your proposed project. While not required, prospective applicants are encouraged to submit an LOI to receive early feedback on the project’s fit with the Frick Initiatives and guidance that may help strengthen a full proposal. Please see RFP for complete details.

View RFP

Ready to Apply?

Take the next step and submit your idea for consideration through the Frick Initiatives funding portal.

APPLY FOR FUNDING