Ploughshares Fund

Ploughshares Fund is a public grantmaking foundation dedicated to preventing the spread and use of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons,

Mission

Ploughshares Fund is a public grantmaking foundation dedicated to preventing the spread and use of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons, and preventing conflicts that could lead to their use. Ploughshares Fund is designed to act quickly with a minimum of red tape, to fund anywhere in the world, and to provide seed funding to new, innovative initiatives. Founded in 1981 and supported by individuals, families and foundations, Ploughshares was one of the original funders of the international landmine ban movement, successful efforts to shut down production of nuclear weapons and materials in the U.S., and other landmark initiatives. Ploughshares Fund is now the largest grantmaking foundation in the U.S. devoted exclusively to peace and security funding, having invested nearly $50 million in over one thousand projects worldwide.

Programs

Ploughshares Fund's grantmaking address five central concerns: the spread and use of nuclear weapons; the production and security of nuclear weapon-usable materials; the control of biological and chemical weapons; the weaponization of outer space; armed conflict; and the oversupply and misuse of other weapons of war. Within these issue areas, we seek out and support initiatives that apply innovation and technical solutions, engage with the media, educate the public and policymakers, advocate for legislative change and promote global engagement. But Ploughshares is more than just a funder -- as an integral member of the community of organizations addressing these issues, we also function as an educator, a convener and an information resource for the public and the media.