Three US philanthropies have pledged a total of US$148 million to support early-career researchers. The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Simons Foundation will collectively award up to 70 five-year grants of $100,000–400,000 a year, adjusting the amount to account for recipients' other funding. To qualify, applicants must have received a competitive grant within the past 2 years, have 4–10 years' experience in a tenure-track or equivalent position and work at an eligible institution. The Faculty Scholars Program should counter a push towards 'safer', but often less-creative proposals, says HHMI chief scientific officer Erin O'Shea. Applications are due on 28 July.