By Culbreath Ashanti—360FundingForge

The Roddenberry Foundation (TRF) is a philanthropic organization that carries forward the legacy of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry by investing in bold, innovative ideas to create a better world. Their mission focuses on supporting changemakers who aim to solve some of society’s most pressing issues. If your nonprofit organization is working on a transformative project that aligns with their values, the Roddenberry Foundation could be a valuable funding partner.

However, before diving into the application process, it’s essential to determine whether pursuing a grant from TRF is a high-return opportunity for your organization. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the foundation’s mission, funding priorities, and grantmaking programs. We’ll also provide you with tools to assess whether your organization is a good fit for their funding and suggest some next steps for securing a successful partnership.

Roddenberry Foundation: Mission, Vision, and Values

The Roddenberry Foundation was established in 2010 by Eugene ‘Rod’ Roddenberry, the son of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry, to continue his father’s vision of a more progressive, inclusive, and harmonious world. Gene Roddenberry’s Star Trek series, which first aired in 1966, championed social justice, equality, and the idea that humanity can reach its fullest potential through cooperation and understanding. The Roddenberry Foundation channels this same vision by supporting organizations and initiatives that drive positive social change.

TRF’s mission is clear: invest in bold, game-changing ideas that can bring about lasting transformation. The foundation seeks to empower individuals and organizations that are tackling urgent global challenges, particularly those that require innovative, risk-taking approaches.

Core Values of the Roddenberry Foundation:

1. Urgency: TRF focuses on action rather than bureaucracy, prioritizing fast, direct problem-solving to address urgent issues.
2. Humility: The foundation values the expertise of those who have direct experience with societal challenges, emphasizing collaboration and learning from communities and organizations on the ground.
3. Risk-Taking: TRF is committed to supporting experimental, unconventional solutions that have the potential to create significant impact, encouraging boldness in tackling complex problems.
4. Diversity: They believe in the power of diversity and inclusivity, understanding that diverse perspectives lead to more robust and comprehensive solutions.
5. No Silver Bullets: The foundation acknowledges that complex issues, like poverty or inequality, require multifaceted approaches and collaborative efforts, rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.

Roddenberry Foundation Grantmaking Programs

The Roddenberry Foundation operates a variety of funding initiatives aimed at advancing different facets of its mission. These initiatives offer flexible opportunities for organizations with innovative ideas to secure funding and support.

1. Roddenberry Catalyst Fund

The Catalyst Fund is designed to support early-stage projects or ideas that address global challenges. Grants from this fund typically range from $2,500 to $15,000 and are awarded to individuals, teams, nonprofits, or social enterprises with bold visions for social change. The fund accepts applications year-round, and projects funded by the Catalyst Fund must be completed within 9 months. The Catalyst Fund is a great option for organizations looking for flexible funding to launch new ideas or pilot innovative solutions.

2. Roddenberry Prize

The Roddenberry Prize is a significant award designed for ventures that leverage scientific breakthroughs or emerging technologies to solve urgent global issues. The prize is by nomination only and includes:

• $1 million in non-dilutive funding for the winner.
• Five $100,000 finalist awards for other outstanding ventures.

This prize is ideal for organizations working on cutting-edge scientific or technological solutions to major problems like climate change, economic inequality, or global health challenges. Nominations for the Roddenberry Prize typically come from impact investors, foundations, and academic institutions.

3. +1 Global Fund

Launched in response to the global challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the +1 Global Fund focuses on supporting high-impact organizations in the global south. The fund aims to address urgent needs in vulnerable communities affected by the pandemic and provides funding to community-based organizations that are directly addressing these challenges. Nomination-only grants are provided through trusted partners and sector experts, making it an excellent opportunity for organizations with strong partnerships in the global south.

4. Roddenberry Fellowship

The Roddenberry Fellowship is a 12-month program designed for U.S.-based leaders who are advocating for human rights and equality. The fellowship offers $50,000 in funding, as well as access to a network of peers committed to reimagining a more equitable society. This fellowship is an excellent opportunity for individuals who are leading innovative advocacy work and looking to scale their impact through the support and networking opportunities the fellowship provides.

Key Insights from the Roddenberry Foundation’s Grantmaking

To assess whether the Roddenberry Foundation is a good fit for your nonprofit, it’s essential to understand their giving history, grant trends, and areas of focus. Here are some key insights to consider:

1. General Giving Trends

The Roddenberry Foundation has steadily increased its giving over the years. In 2019, the foundation awarded $3.79 million in grants, with an average grant size of around $39,000. While the foundation’s total giving has fluctuated between $2 million and $4 million, it has shown a general upward trend, indicating their increasing capacity and commitment to funding bold initiatives.

2. Funding by NTEE Codes

The Roddenberry Foundation supports a broad range of causes, from economic inequality to medical research, public benefit, and education. Their focus on human services has been particularly significant, with grants awarded to organizations working on financial counseling, general human services, and victim services. Other key areas of funding include medical research and special education, highlighting the foundation’s interest in both social and scientific solutions to global challenges.

3. Openness to New Grantees

The Roddenberry Foundation is particularly open to new grantees and innovative ideas. In fact, in 2018, all of the foundation’s grants were awarded to new organizations. This trend continued into 2019, with a substantial portion of their grants directed toward first-time applicants. For new grantees, the foundation’s emphasis on risk-taking and bold ideas creates a welcoming environment for organizations that are trying something new.

4. Geographic Distribution

The Roddenberry Foundation’s giving is widely distributed, with a particular focus on organizations located in the United States, especially California. While the foundation supports global initiatives, the bulk of their grants have historically been awarded to U.S.-based projects. Nonprofits located in California or those with strong partnerships in the state may have a better chance of securing funding from TRF.

How to Apply for Funding from the Roddenberry Foundation

To apply for funding from the Roddenberry Foundation, it’s crucial to understand their approach to applications and what they’re looking for in a proposal. Here are some key steps to keep in mind:

1. Prepare a Bold, Innovative Proposal: TRF is known for supporting bold, high-impact projects that tackle pressing global challenges. Whether you’re applying for the Catalyst Fund or the Roddenberry Prize, your project should demonstrate creativity, risk-taking, and potential for lasting change.
2. Leverage Partnerships: If you’re applying for the +1 Global Fund or Roddenberry Prize, it’s essential to have a strong network of partners who can nominate your organization. Building connections with impact investors, academic institutions, or other sector leaders can improve your chances of being nominated.
3. Engage with the Roddenberry Community: TRF places great value on the expertise of impacted communities and organizations with deep knowledge of the issues they seek to address. Consider joining or engaging with their community of Fellows, Catalyst grantees, and Prize awardees to strengthen your network and gain insights into how TRF supports its grantees.

Conclusion: Is the Roddenberry Foundation Right for You?

If your nonprofit is working on a bold, innovative project that aligns with the Roddenberry Foundation’s mission of creating systemic change, TRF could be an excellent funding partner. Their focus on high-risk, high-reward ideas, combined with their openness to new grantees and emphasis on collaboration, makes them a great fit for nonprofits that are reimagining solutions to complex global challenges.

If, after reviewing your alignment with TRF’s priorities, you decide that they’re not the right fit, don’t worry! 360FundingForge is here to help you find other foundations that align with your organization’s mission. We specialize in connecting nonprofits with relevant funding opportunities and providing insights into the best grants for your needs. Contact us at 360FundingForge today to discover a world of funding opportunities tailored to your nonprofit’s goals!