Science Philanthropy Alliance: Advancing Basic Science
Issue
To seek answers to fundamental questions about nature, our universe, and ourselves: this is the role of basic scientific research.
Basic research is at risk as government funding for basic science has declined since the early 2000s.
Federal Funding of Basic
Research as Percentage of GDP
1953–2016
Approach
To combat this decline, we founded the Science Philanthropy Alliance. At the Alliance, we substantially increase philanthropic support for basic science research by providing advice and learning opportunities for individual philanthropists and foundations on how to support basic research most effectively.
History
Accomplishments
Our work has resulted in more basic science research
Impact
Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Priscilla Chan
“The Science Philanthropy Alliance was incredibly helpful in our early education in science and helping us think about how we engage in this space. We are very grateful for our ongoing partnership with the Alliance.”
Simons Foundation Jim Simons
“The Alliance has become an important voice for discovery-driven research and an invaluable resource for philanthropists seeking guidance on how best to support this critical area—the wellspring of scientific and medical progress.”
Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation Claire Pomeroy
“The Alliance is a dynamic community of philanthropists who collaborate to learn about opportunities in basic science, share best practices, and celebrate the power of fundamental discovery.”
Schmidt Futures Stu Feldman
“The Alliance is a wonderful resource for us. I have found my consultations with them to be very valuable, with great advice both on potential projects and relevant partners. We of course wholeheartedly support increasing the total support for basic scientific research. I also appreciate meeting other players in science philanthropy and sharing experiences and plans about how to deal with challenges we face.”
National Academy of Sciences Marcia McNutt
“One of the biggest headlines in basic research in the past few decades has been the growth in the contribution of private philanthropists to American competitiveness in science. The Alliance has been a major factor in building capacity within the foundation community to support research in a complementary manner to public sources of funding.”
The Giving Pledge Sofia Michelakis
“Since the Giving Pledge was launched in 2010, a top priority has been to build a community for learning. We are excited to see the growth of additional learning networks like The Science Philanthropy Alliance which provides access to experienced science philanthropists and to distinguished scientists; it is a valuable resource for both new and established science funders.”
Lyda Hill Foundation Lyda Hill
“The Alliance has opened up many new relationships and funding opportunities for me and in turn, I've been thrilled to introduce their services to other philanthropists in Texas and elsewhere. We've all benefited from encouraging each other's science investments.”
