Alliance Member priorities
This page updates annually. Last update: January 2024
Many of our members have elected to share general information about their priorities and approach. Some members, marked with a *, periodically run open requests for applications and/or nominations. To receive those announcements, we recommend subscribing directly to the newsletter for the relevant foundations.
Alfred P. Sloan Foundation
Webpage | Headquarters: New York City, NY | Scientific areas: fundamental chemistry, physics, biology, and engineering; economics; energy and environment; astronomy; data and computational research | Contact: frontdesk@sloan.org
Founded in 1934 by industrialist Alfred P. Sloan Jr., the Sloan Foundation is a not-for-profit, mission-driven grantmaking institution dedicated to improving the welfare of all through the advancement of scientific knowledge. Sloan makes grants in four broad areas: direct support of research in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and economics; initiatives to increase the quality, equity, and diversity of scientific institutions and the science workforce; projects to develop or leverage technology to empower research; and efforts to enhance and deepen public engagement with science and scientists. They accept and evaluate requests for funding throughout the year through the grant application process described here. On the same page, Sloan occasionally issues calls for grant proposals or letters of inquiry on specific topics or issues to be submitted by a pre-announced submission date. Information about applications for their early career Sloan Research Fellowships is here.
Burroughs Wellcome Fund*
Webpage | Headquarters: Research Triangle Park, NC | Scientific areas: biomedical science, climate change, infectious diseases, reproductive health | Contact: communications@bwfund.org
The Burroughs Wellcome Fund serves and strengthens society by nurturing a diverse group of leaders in biomedical sciences to improve human health through education and power discovery in frontiers of greatest need. BWF’s grantmaking is through awards made to degree-granting institutions and research institutes/academic health centers, and related organizations affiliated with degree-granting institutions in the United States and Canada on behalf of individual researcher. Upcoming deadlines for applications and letters of intent are shared here.
Dalio Philanthropies
Webpage | Headquarters: Westport, CT | Scientific areas: ocean exploration and conservation, health care, mental health, technology access and education | Contact: inquiries@daliophilanthropies.org
Dalio Philanthropies was founded by the Dalio family in 2003 to organize and implement their giving. They operate three primary programs in the areas of education and serving youth (Dalio Education), ocean exploration and protection (OceanX), and digital access (Endless). They also support organizations in a number of other focus areas to help catalyze positive change around the world. Since the inception of Dalio Philanthropies, the family has provided over $6 billion in support of its mission. Dalio Philanthropies is governed by a board that makes decisions as a committee. They do not accept unsolicited proposals or donation requests, and such solicitations will not be considered by the Board.
David and Claudia Harding Foundation
Headquarters: London, UK
The David and Claudia Harding Foundation’s primary focus has been funding academic scholarships and fellowships, but it has also supported many other causes such as art galleries, museums, and humanitarian appeals. The Foundation does not make contributions in response to unsolicited requests.
Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation*
Webpage | Headquarters: Palo Alto, CA | Scientific areas: all areas of life and physical sciences, excluding biomedical sciences | Contact: info@moore.org
The Moore Foundation tackles large, important issues at a scale where it can achieve significant and measurable impacts. They proactively choose their programs, strategies and goals, rather than responding to unsolicited proposals. They fund initiatives, substantial efforts intentionally designed to achieve an outcome and goals through complementary grants; commitments, pledges to support an institution or consortium of institutions to achieve an outcome; and grants, including annual inventor fellowships by nomination. Open requests for applications are shared periodically on their news page.
Heising-Simons Foundation
Webpage | Headquarters: Los Altos, CA | Scientific areas: astronomy and cosmology, climate change science, fundamental physics | Contact: info@hsfoundation.org
The Heising-Simons Foundation is a family foundation based in Los Altos and San Francisco, California. The Foundation works with its many partners to advance sustainable solutions in climate and clean energy, enable groundbreaking research in science, enhance the education of our youngest learners, and support human rights for all people. Their Science program is focused on supporting fundamental research primarily in the physical sciences. The Heising-Simons Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals in any of its grantmaking areas; program staff proactively seek out new opportunities and aligned partners in accordance with their programmatic strategies and initiatives, as well as the Foundation’s values and equity framework. Limited open requests for proposals may be shared on their website.
John Templeton Foundation*
Webpage | Headquarters: West Conshohocken, PA | Scientific areas: life sciences, mathematical and physical sciences
The work supported by the John Templeton Foundation crosses disciplinary, religious, and geographical boundaries. Generally, they fund charitable entities that operate inside and outside of the United States. On rare occasions, they may fund individuals and for-profit companies doing charitable work that is consistent with their tax-exempt status. Grant consideration begins with an initial Online Funding Inquiry (OFI) and, if invited, a detailed Full Proposal. Although you can complete and submit an OFI at any point during the year, the Foundation reviews all funding requests according to specific dates and deadlines outlined in their grantmaking calendar.
Leon Levy Foundation
Webpage | Headquarters: New York City, NY | Scientific areas: neuroscience
The Leon Levy Foundation supports exceptional early-career neuroscientists as they pursue innovative investigations into the brain, through a competitive scholarship program open to postdoctoral researchers at nearly 30 eligible institutions in New York City. The Leon Levy Scholarships in Neuroscience are administered by The New York Academy of Sciences. The Foundation also funds select biomedical and plant conservation projects through a limited set of grants for which requests and inquiries are by invitation only.
Open Philanthropy*
Webpage | Headquarters: San Francisco, CA | Scientific areas: global health and wellbeing; scientific research and development; farmed animal welfare; biosecurity and pandemic preparedness; AI risks | Contact: info@openphilanthropy.org
Open Philanthropy prioritizes causes based on three criteria: importance, neglectedness, and tractability. Their current focus areas are in two broad categories: Global Health and Wellbeing, and Global Catastrophic Risks. They offer a variety of fellowship, scholarship, and early-career programs on a rolling basis; you can see their open applications and requests for proposals on this page. Outside these formal processes, they do not expect to fund proposals that come via unsolicited contact.
Research Corporation for Science Advancement*
Webpage | Headquarters: Tucson, AZ | Scientific areas: basic research in the physical sciences (astronomy, chemistry, physics) | Contact: awards@rescorp.org
Research Corporation for Science Advancement (RCSA) is a foundation providing catalytic funding for innovative scientific research and the development of academic scientists. RCSA is a private foundation that aids basic research in the physical sciences at colleges and universities through its two core programs, Cottrell Scholar and Scialog, and its RCSA Fellows Initiative. Cottrell Scholars are promising early career scientists doing early-stage, high-potential, basic physical science research. They participate in a multilayered set of activities that supports each scholar to develop as a successful teacher-scholar and gain the skills and relationships necessary to become leaders. Through its Scialog convenings, RCSA invests in interdisciplinary, innovative, basic research on problems of high complexity that are timely and of significant value to society. The RCSA Fellows Initiative aims to increase faculty diversity in the physical sciences through job search preparation and community building for a cohort of postdoctoral scholars. Grant seekers may apply to be a Cottrell Scholar on an annual intake running April-July and self-nominate to join a Scialog convening. Services like office hours to support applicants are announced on their news page.
Shanahan Family Charitable Foundation
Webpage | Scientific areas: brain health, Alzheimer’s | Contact: info@shanahanfamilyfoundation.org
The Shanahan Family Charitable Foundation empowers people and accelerates scientific discovery by focusing their funding in the areas of education, medical research, scientific advancement, and health and human services. Since its inception in 2007, the Shanahan Family Foundation has made numerous significant gifts to organizations and institutions nationally. They fund 501(c)(3) organizations and do not accept unsolicited grant applications. If you believe that your organization or mission matches one or more of their grantmaking areas, you may provide your information to them via email in the form of a one-page letter of inquiry.
Shurl and Kay Curci Foundation
Webpage | Headquarters: Torrance, CA
The Curci Foundation supports science-based research striving for the advancement of a healthy and sustainable future for humans. Their scholars program provides provide full scholarships and living expenses for the first two years of Ph.D. programs for students at six universities: University of California Berkeley, University of California San Diego, University of Washington, University of California San Francisco, University of Utah, and University of Colorado Boulder. This program is by invitation only and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Simons Foundation*
Webpage | Headquarters: New York, NY | Scientific areas: mathematics, theoretical physics and computer science, fundamental biology, microbial oceanography, marine ecosystems, microbial ecology and evolution | Contact: info@simonsfoundation.org
The mission of the Simons Foundation is to advance the frontiers of research in mathematics and the basic sciences. Since its founding in 1994 by Jim and Marilyn Simons, the foundation has been a champion of basic science through grant funding, support for research and public engagement. The Simons Foundation makes grants supporting research in the above listed disciplines, and in addition makes awards through its Science, Society and Culture division which seeks to provide opportunities for people to forge a connection to science. The foundation also supports and operates the Flatiron Institute, which conducts basic scientific research in astrophysics, biology, neuroscience, mathematics and quantum physics.
The Brinson Foundation
Webpage | Headquarters: Chicago, IL | Scientific areas: astronomy/astrophysics/cosmology, evolutionary developmental biology, geophysics, medical research | Contact: mail@brinsonfoundation.org
The Brinson Foundation supports the cutting edge of research in specific areas of interest that are underfunded or at a stage in which they are unlikely to receive government funding. Support is often specific to graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, staff scientists, or faculty who are at the early stages of their careers. Inquiries in the scientific areas supported by the Foundation are by invitation only.
The Dana Foundation*
Webpage | Headquarters: New York, NY | Scientific areas: neuroscience and society | Contact: danainfo@dana.org
The Dana Foundation is a private philanthropic organization based in New York dedicated to advancing the emerging and critical field of neuroscience and society, which encompasses how neuroscience both reflects and informs society. Their vision is brain science for a better future. They support cross-disciplinary intersections such as neuroscience and ethics, law, policy, humanities, and arts through funding calls that are shared here.
The David and Lucile Packard Foundation*
Webpage | Headquarters: Los Altos, CA | Scientific areas: all areas of science and engineering, with a particular focus on ocean science | Contact: communications@packard.org
The Packard Foundation envisions a just and equitable world where both people and nature flourish. They work with people and communities to create enduring solutions for just societies and a healthy, resilient natural world. They champion bold climate solutions, an ocean that sustains us, and scientific innovation and discovery. They firmly believe that across our globe, the fate of both people and our natural world are inextricably linked, and all solutions must account for both. They share open requests for proposals and specific instructions for submitting a funding request here. They also provide early-career scientists and engineers with flexible funding and the freedom to take risks through their Fellowship program.
The Kavli Foundation
Webpage | Headquarters: Los Angeles, CA | Scientific areas: neuroscience, nanoscience, astrophysics, theoretical physics | Contact: info@kavlifoundation.org
The Kavli Foundation was established in 2000 with a vision to advance science for the benefit of humanity. The foundation’s mission is to stimulate basic research in astrophysics, nanoscience, neuroscience, and theoretical physics; strengthen the relationship between science and society; and honor scientific discoveries with The Kavli Prize. Kavli deploys a strategic mix of grantmaking and partnership that supports basic research in its four fields of focus and its program in Science and Society. The foundation identifies potentially transformative opportunities, drawing upon the expertise of its staff, advisors, and other thought leaders. Unsolicited proposals are not accepted; however, they may occasionally issue an open call. In addition to its grantmaking strategies, the foundation also supports basic science through endowment of 20 existing Kavli Institutes located at universities and research centers internationally that conduct research in its four fields of focus. Other efforts include the Kavli Scholars Program, which aids scholars seeking new work environments due to extreme circumstances that interrupt their scientific research (scholars are nominated by Kavli affiliates).
The Lasker Foundation*
Webpage | Headquarters: New York City, NY | Scientific areas: biomedical research | Contact: info@laskerfoundation.org
The Lasker Foundation is dedicated to improving human health by increasing support for biomedical research, through recognition of research excellence (Lasker Awards), advocacy and education programs. Their nomination-only Awards program shines a spotlight on the full range of biomedical research—from fundamental biological discoveries and clinical research breakthroughs to public service contributions that support science. Education programs include the open application Lasker Clinical Research Scholars program (partnership with NIH) that supports early-career clinical researchers, and the Lasker Lessons in Leadership program (partnership with International Biomedical Research Alliance), among others. The Lasker Foundation also runs an annual essay contest for early career scientists.
The Rita Allen Foundation
Webpage | Headquarters: Princeton, New Jersey | Scientific areas: cancer, immunology, neuroscience, pain | Contact: info@ritaallen.org
The Rita Allen Foundation is a venture philanthropy organization that invests in transformative ideas in their earliest stages to leverage their growth and promote breakthrough solutions to significant problems. The Foundation invests in early-career biomedical scholars to do pioneering research, seeds innovative approaches to fostering informed civic engagement, and develops knowledge and networks to build the effectiveness of the philanthropic sector. They embrace learning through experimentation, network-weaving, bridge-building, and knowledge-sharing to advance the civic potential of diverse communities; philanthropy; and science and technology for the public good. The Foundation is developing new investments, research, and coalitions to strengthen civic science as a growing field of study and area of practice committed to ensuring that all people shape and benefit from science, technology, and innovation.
The W.M. Keck Foundation
Webpage | Headquarters: Los Angeles, CA | Scientific areas: biological sciences, physical sciences, engineering, medical research | Contact: info@wmkeck.org
The W. M. Keck Foundation strives to create far-reaching benefits for humanity by supporting both outstanding science, engineering & medical research, as well as organizations that enrich the lives of children, youth and families, with a regional focus on Southern California. They run two granting cycles annually in June and December with a recommended consultation process that provides the opportunity for eligible institutions to receive feedback from Foundation staff. Information about their institutional grants is here.
Wellcome*
Webpage | Headquarters: London, UK | Scientific areas: discovery research pertaining to mental health, infectious disease, climate and health.
Wellcome is a global charitable foundation that funds discovery research over a broad range of disciplines – including social sciences and the humanities – giving researchers the freedom to explore life, health, and wellbeing and seek insights that can inspire future improvements in health. They bring together expertise across science, innovation, and society to develop solutions to address the issues of three urgent health challenges: mental health, infectious diseases, and climate and health. Funding opportunities are shared here.
WoodNext Foundation
Webpage | Headquarters: Austin, TX | Scientific areas: life and physical sciences, biomedical | Contact: howdy@woodnext.org
The WoodNext Foundation manages the philanthropy of tech innovator and Roku CEO/Founder, Anthony Wood, and his wife Susan. Their philanthropic efforts are guided by their overall mission to advance human progress and remove obstacles to a fulfilling life. Because of the Woods’ strong ties to Texas, the Foundation’s geographic priority is the southern region of the United States, although the Foundation makes grants in other regions nationally and internationally. This foundation does not run open requests for proposals or accept unsolicited proposals at this time.