Unlikely Collaborators Foundation Grants

Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett is among the top one percent most cited scientists in the world for her revolutionary research in psychology and neuroscience. She is a University Distinguished Professor at Northeastern University. UC supports Dr. Barrett's research into the evolution and development of the human brain for the sake of understanding meaning-making and the Science of Perception Box.

The Moral Courage Project teaches people to turn contentious issues and divisive dialogues into constructive conversations and healthy teamwork with UC supporting all of its efforts.

PEN America supports emerging writers in finding their voice and sharing their stories. The UC grant funds in person writing workshops in Los Angeles that help early career and underrepresented writers reflect on personal experience and expand perception box through creative expression.

Naropa University is an accredited university and the only school in the country that grounds the student experience in contemplative education principles. Whether students are studying to become a therapist, an educator, an artist, or an entrepreneur, Naropa infuses contemplative education into every program because awareness of the present moment will serve anyone in their future career. UC supports psychedelic training scholarships and training retreats for underrepresented groups, cosponsorship of space at the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) Conference, the Psilocybin Facilitator Program, and the Naropa Tea House, all with the goal of psychedelics being utilized in therapy to aid participants in getting a deeper understanding of their traumas and stories.

Unlikely Collaborators' grant supports the Holistic Life Foundation in expanding the Perception Box by bringing mindfulness practices into schools across six U.S. cities through the Mindful Moment (MM) program. Designed for both students and staff, MM provides a safe space to slow down, regain emotional control, and practice mindfulness techniques such as yoga and meditation. By offering tools to recognize and manage unhealthy emotional states, the program fosters conflict reduction, violence prevention, and long-term resilience, empowering participants to cultivate inner peace and self-awareness beyond the immediate moment.