Mensa Foundation Programs

Part of the Foundation's efforts to identify and foster human intelligence for the benefit of humanity involves encouraging research into the characteristics and uses of intelligence. Several awards programs have been established to recognize this research and efforts to publicize its results.

The Awards for Excellence in Research are given internationally for outstanding research on intelligence, intellectual giftedness and related fields.

The Copper Black Award is given to a Mensan for a specific creative achievement that has been demonstrated to be of practical value, or for an innovation that has been implemented, at least in part, to the advantage of persons other than the nominee. 

The Distinguished Teacher Award recognizes a teacher, professor or instructor at any educational level who has had an especially positive influence on the education or life of a Mensa member.

The Intellectual Benefits Award recognizes the application of a Mensan's intellectual abilities that have resulted in tangible benefit to society.

The International programs include the international scholarship program and two awards created to recognize the achievements of Mensans around the world.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented every other year by the Research Review Committee in recognition of a lifetime of contributions to the field of intelligence and related subjects.

The Mensa Press Award recognizes excellence in writing about human intelligence and giftedness in media designed for lay audiences.

New projects consistent with the Foundation's mission and strategic goals are considered for development. These projects may include, but are not limited to, new types of scholarships or awards and projects in support of gifted education. However, the Foundation does not fund individual research projects.