About Unlikely Collaborators
Unlikely Collaborators exists to help people resolve internal and external conflict by raising awareness of and working with the "Perception Box" — a framework for understanding the beliefs, narratives, and biases that shape perception — through impact partnerships, investments, storytelling, and experiential programs.
Focus Areas
Mental health and wellnessNeuroscience research (Perception Box science)Mindfulness and contemplative practicesPsychedelic research and integrationRestorative justiceYouth programs and educationArts and storytelling (film, writing)Community-based healing and wellness (including first responders and veterans)
Who They Fund
teams and organizational leadersindividuals seeking wellbeing and high performance
About Unlikely Collaborators
Unlikely Collaborators Inc. centers its giving on the “Perception Box” framework: the beliefs, narratives, and biases that shape how people see themselves and each other. That idea shows up across its grants, partnerships, and strategic investments, which support storytelling, mindfulness, neuroscience, psychedelic integration, restorative justice, youth programs, and community-based healing. The pattern is not limited to one format; the foundation also backs collaborations and early-stage investment alongside nonprofit grants. Recent grants show a mix of large awards and sustained relationships. Storytelling is one clear thread, with support for The Moth and KALW Public Media tied to narrative, perspective, and creative collaboration. The foundation also funds work in mindfulness and leadership, including Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute, and in recovery and healing, including Fireside Project, Mindshift Recovery, and Open Source Wellness. Arts and media appear as tools for connection rather than standalone interests, with grants reaching organizations that use performance, film, and creative practice to shift how communities understand conflict, identity, and wellbeing. The 2025 grant list also points to a broad set of partners in education, public media, health, and contemplative practice, indicating a funder that uses multiple pathways to advance a common Perception Box agenda.
What Unlikely Collaborators Funds
In storytelling and narrative change, Unlikely Collaborators Inc. gave $621,784 to Storyville Center for the Spoken Word Inc DBA The Moth in 2025 and $250,000 in 2024 for understanding and connection through the art and craft of storytelling. It also backed KALW Public Media Inc with $317,204 in 2024 for a project to pair unlikely collaborators and unlock new perspectives. Mindfulness and contemplative practice are another major lane. The foundation awarded $333,334 in 2025 to Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute for mindfulness-based emotional intelligence, empathy, compassion, resilience, and leadership. It also supported Inward Bound Mindfulness Education Inc with $75,000 in 2025. In recovery and psychedelic support, Fireside Project Inc received $100,000 in 2024 to grow its psychedelic hotline and train 400 volunteers, while Mindshift Recovery Inc received $125,000 in 2024 to expand a national addiction recovery community and bring its method into recovery residences.
Financial Snapshot
Annual Giving
$5.1M
Total Assets
$151.1M
Total Revenue
$62.1M
Total Expenses
$11.6M
Typical Grant Size
Most grants fall between $75K and $317K, with a median of $125K.
25th Percentile
$75K
Median
$125K
75th Percentile
$317K
Geographic Reach
Regional14 states funded
Funding intensity
LowHigh
Headquarters
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