The Lemelson Foundation
The Lemelson Foundation (based in Portland, OR) advances invention to improve lives, with strategic funding in invention education, invention & entrepreneurship, and climate action. The site includes impact stories, funding priorities, and resources for educators and innovators.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Organizations working on invention education, invention-led entrepreneurship, or climate- and sustainability-focused technology with a track record and capacity for programmatic partnerships at regional, national, or international scale.
Good Fit
- • Clear mission alignment with invention education, entrepreneurship, or climate action.
- • Capacity to manage grants in the mid-to-high hundreds of thousands or multi-year program support.
- • Established institutional credibility (research universities, national nonprofits, or vetted intermediaries).
- • Existing relationships, nominations, or visibility within relevant sector networks and funder intermediaries.
Geography
Observed giving in 2024 reached 22 distinct states plus international recipients, with only about 7% of dollars staying in the foundation's home state, indicating a national and some international footprint.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows 58 distinct recipients (67 grants) with 34 repeat recipients across the three-year record, demonstrating a broad and diverse portfolio rather than a tiny closed circle.
New Applicants
Direct evidence shows the foundation funded 24 new recipients in 2024, but the website and application guidance state unsolicited proposals are not sought, so new entrants are possible but typically through identification, nomination, or relationship channels rather than an open application process.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
