The Vision Behind the Grants
In this pivotal moment of global complexity and deep societal need marked by fear and fragmentation, the Fetzer Institute is making a bold commitment: to invest in the inner lives of leaders and organizations, the changemakers, who are helping cultivate a world rooted in love, sacredness, and shared flourishing.
In August 2025, Fetzer awarded more than $3M in grants to over 34 organizations in philanthropy, environment, public life, and spiritual innovation. Each organization received both general operating support and a separate allocation for spiritual care and development, the latter representing an unprecedented philanthropic practice.
Unlike general operating funds, which sustain essential operations and programmatic work, spiritual development funds are designated for the inner life of staff, boards, and leadership. They can be used for:
- Organizational or individual staff retreats focused on spiritual renewal
- Engagement with spiritual directors, coaches, or movement chaplains
- Practices and resources that nurture resilience, reflection, and belonging
The intent is not to only fund programming, which is necessary, but also to strengthen the spiritual and emotional foundation of those carrying out the work.
We believe that real, lasting transformation begins with individuals and organizations willing to engage in the inner work necessary to lead with integrity, compassion, and spiritual depth. Our intention is to nurture organizational cultures where sacred-centered leadership is practiced, spiritual formation and care is prioritized, and values like love, reflection, and wholeness are integrated into everyday decision-making.
So that, together, we can continue building a spiritual foundation for a loving world.
Why Now?
As the poet Jaiya John reminds us:
“To send an arrow far, you must first pull back.”
These grants are that sacred pulling back — a pause, a breath, a moment of renewal — so that our collective action may be more grounded, resilient, and loving. This sacred “pulling back” is not retreat, it is preparation. It is infrastructure for sustainable, values-driven action in the world.
We are living in a time of profound change. The old worldview, one that treats life as only material or transactional, cannot meet the challenges of our day. In fact, it has even contributed to them.
What we need now is a new worldview, one that remembers the sacred: a way of seeing that restores wonder, affirms meaning and purpose, and honors the value of all life.
This is an investment in leaders who are willing to sit in what Parker Palmer calls “the tragic gap,” the space between what is and what could be, and remain rooted in love, purpose, and discernment.
About the Grantees
We awarded over 30 organizations in recognition of their impactful contributions to philanthropy, as well as sectors like environment, public life, and spiritual innovation — whether through innovative, service-driven work or efforts grounded in sacred values. Some of the grantees include:
Independent Sector: A national membership organization that connects, strengthens, and advocates for nonprofits and philanthropies.
Sacred Design Lab: A soul-centered research and design consultancy that assists clients in developing products, programs, and experiences that translate ancient wisdom and practices into 21st century spiritual wellbeing.
Hindus for Human Rights/Samadarshini: A faith rooted nonprofit that advocates for pluralism, civil and human rights across South Asia and North America.
The Cultural Conservancy: A Native-led organization that centers sacred Indigenous cultural practices, ancestral stories, land stewardship, and ecological wisdom.
We don’t see this as a transactional grant program. We see it as a pilgrimage, a long walk alongside spiritually grounded partners and leaders who are supporting public life, philanthropy, and other sectors through the lens of the Sacred.
We are honored to walk with those doing this sacred work.
Learn more about our collaborative initiatives by clicking here.