Call for Applications: GTF Olympiad Grants

Deadline: 15-Oct-2026

The GTF Olympiad Grants provide annual sponsorships to organizations running national and regional mathematics and science Olympiad programmes around the world. The programme recognizes Olympiad competitions as important platforms for identifying talented students and supporting the development of exceptional STEM potential. The grants primarily support organizations connected to the pipelines for the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) and the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI), while also providing a dedicated route for other STEM Olympiads and gifted education initiatives.

About the GTF Olympiad Grants

The GTF Olympiad Grants were established to support the organizations responsible for national and regional math and science Olympiad programmes. The programme is based on the idea that Olympiads can play an important role in identifying promising young people with exceptional scientific and mathematical abilities. Research cited by the programme indicates that Olympiad medalists are disproportionately represented among major scientific prize winners. This highlights the potential value of identifying and nurturing scientific talent at an early stage. Supporting STEM Talent Through Olympiads Math and science Olympiads provide students with opportunities to test advanced problem-solving and analytical abilities in competitive academic environments. The GTF programme recognizes these competitions as part of a broader talent-development pipeline. By supporting the organizations that operate Olympiad programmes, the grants aim to contribute to: - Early identification of exceptional STEM talent. - Development of mathematical and scientific abilities. - Sustained support for promising students. - National and regional Olympiad programmes. - Pathways toward international STEM competitions. - Long-term development of scientific potential. International Mathematical Olympiad and International Olympiad in Informatics The primary focus of the GTF Olympiad Grants is on programmes connected to the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) and the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI). Support is available for organizations operating programmes at different stages of development. This allows the programme to support not only established Olympiad systems but also developing initiatives that are building their capacity and pathways toward international participation. Who Can Apply for GTF Olympiad Grants? Organizations can be eligible for annual, renewable sponsorships if they meet the programme’s participation requirements. Eligible applicants include organizations from countries that have participated in the IMO or IOI in at least two of the last three years. Regional competitions can also be eligible when they serve countries meeting this participation requirement. The programme therefore supports both national organizations and regional competitions connected to qualifying IMO or IOI countries. Support for Other STEM Olympiads and Gifted Education The GTF Olympiad Grants are not limited exclusively to the IMO and IOI pipelines. There is also a dedicated route for programmes outside these main pathways.

This can include:

- Other STEM Olympiads. - Gifted education initiatives. - Programmes supporting exceptional STEM talent. - Exceptional cases beyond the main Olympiad pipelines. This additional route allows the programme to consider organizations working in broader areas of STEM talent development. First-Time Sponsorship A first-time GTF sponsorship typically begins at $10,000 per year. This provides organizations with annual financial support to strengthen and operate their Olympiad or gifted education programmes. The exact level and continuation of support can depend on the organization’s progress and capacity. Lead Sponsorships Lead Sponsorships are intended for established partners and are offered by invitation. Typical Lead Sponsorship amounts range from: - $20,000 per year - $30,000 per year Optional three-year plans may also be available. Lead Sponsorships therefore provide a higher level of support for established organizations that have developed a strong relationship with the programme. Annual and Renewable Sponsorships GTF Olympiad Grants are designed as annual, renewable sponsorships. This structure can provide organizations with continuing support rather than limiting funding to a single one-time award. At the same time, the programme maintains flexibility to pause and resume sponsorships based on progress and organizational capacity. This approach allows sponsorship decisions to adapt to the development and circumstances of supported programmes. Flexible Support Based on Programme Development The programme recognizes that Olympiad organizations can be at different stages of development. Some may have established national systems and international participation, while others may still be developing their programmes. The sponsorship structure therefore provides flexibility to support programmes according to their progress and capacity. The programme can also consider exceptional cases outside the primary IMO and IOI pathways. How Organizations Can Prepare Organizations interested in GTF Olympiad support should clearly communicate the nature and development of their programme.

Important areas to consider include:

- Describe the Olympiad programme: Explain whether the organization operates a national, regional, or other STEM competition programme.

- Explain the STEM focus: Clearly identify whether the programme is connected to mathematics, informatics, science, another STEM Olympiad, or gifted education.

- Demonstrate the development stage: Explain whether the programme is established, developing, or building a pathway toward international participation.

- Highlight talent development: Describe how the programme identifies and supports exceptional STEM talent.

- Explain regional reach: For regional competitions, clearly indicate the countries and