Critical Thinking for an Engaged Citizenry

The Foundation will support projects across the United States that cultivate critical thinking and civic engagement in youth and young adults. The program will prioritize efforts that build critical thinking skills in both the digital and real world essential for a strong democracy.  It supports initiatives that expand understanding of citizens' rights and responsibilities, as well as the role of government institutions. Ultimately this program aims to empower the next generation to internalize their rights and responsibilities as citizens, appreciate the foundations of democracy, and develop the skills and disposition for a critical and engaged mindset.

The Foundation supports projects that align with one or more of the following pillars:

  • Civic Discourse: We support efforts that foster dialogue on public issues, where the overall goal is to understand and find common ground, not to win a debate.  Emphasis should be placed on developing skills to discuss issues of public or general concern, and to engender an appreciation of the role of discourse in a participatory democracy.   

  • Democratic Institutions and Rights: We support initiatives that deepen understanding of constitutional rights, civil liberties, and the workings of democratic institutions.  Related to this, we support efforts to cultivate understanding of due process and the rights and roles of individuals and institutions within a democratic society.  

  • Digital literacy: We champion initiatives that build digital media and online literacy.  This includes educating on disinformation, misinformation, and malinformation, understanding biases and algorithms that impact content consumption, and evaluating sources effectively.  Related to this, we also support AI literacy, including identifying AI content and understanding its ethical implications.

Approaches working under one or more of these pillars should clearly demonstrate their relevance to the overarching theme of "Critical Thinking for an Engaged Citizenry."  In addition, we encourage innovative and diverse methodologies that demonstrate potential for impact.  Proposals should articulate how they will lead to measurable improvements in critical thinking, civic understanding, or engagement.

Please note, proposed activities should not seek to advance specific political parties.   All programs must be designed and executed with a non-partisan approach. 


Requests for Support

The Foundation accepts 1-2 page letters of interest (LOI) at any time.  LOIs should clearly outline which pillar(s) the project would support.  To be considered for a grant in 2025, LOIs must be received by July 8, 2025.  Any letters received after that date will be considered for the following year’s grant cycle. LOIs should be sent to adrienne@thestonefamilyfoundation.org.

The Foundation awards grants between $30,000 and $50,000 with a duration of 12-18 months.