Smart Bets
Program
LOI Deadline: January 15, 2026
Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
The Smart Bets Grant is Atlas Network’s flagship program for discovering and supporting high-potential, up-and-coming think tanks. This initiative provides selected organizations with funding, mentorship, and exposure to help scale their impact.
New this Year: The Smart Bets program now includes a live pitch competition at Atlas Network’s Regional Liberty Forums, where three selected organizations per region will compete for the Smart Bets title. Each regional winner, totaling five organizations, will advance to the final pitch competition at Liberty Forum & Freedom Dinner (LFFD) in New York, where one organization will win an additional $50,000 prize.
Just like in baseball, where legendary champions have been known to call their shots, Smart Bets is about confidently backing future winners of the freedom movement.
Smart Bets Offers:
Financial Support
✔️$40,000 general operating grant disbursed in two installments ✔️$25,000 matching grant opportunity to boost fundraising efforts ✔️Potential to win up to $75,000 in prizes
Recognition and Exposure
✔️Featured at major Atlas Network events ✔️Finalists will compete in the Smart Bets Pitch Competition ✔️Organization with most impact will receive an Impact Award ✔️Profile story featured on Atlas Network channels
Mentorship & Capacity Building
✔️Join a selective global cohort, fostering networking, collaboration, and peer learning ✔️Year-long mentorship pairing with an experienced civil society leader ✔️Priority access to leadership training and consulting services
Selection
Process
Smart Bets supports new and emerging partner organizations that show exceptional promise in advancing liberty. We define “rising” organizations as those that deliver outsize impact despite:
Being less than five years old, or
Being relatively small in staff or budget, or
Operating in challenging environments as champions of freedom.
The selection process for Smart Bets is highly competitive and by invitation only. However, organizations that believe they meet the criteria may submit a Letter of Interest for consideration.
Successful Applicants:
Have demonstrated strong impact with Atlas Network grants
Show strategic vision and scalability in their initiatives
Uphold professionalism, transparency, and a commitment to excellence
Have engaged meaningfully with Atlas Network programs
Your organization is on the cusp of something great. Let Smart Bets be the accelerator that propels you toward success. Reach out now to learn more.
Learn More About Smart Bets Partners From Previous Years: