August 25, 2025 – The Science Philanthropy Alliance is pleased to share its second Science Philanthropy Indicators Report, offering a detailed, data-driven look at how private giving is shaping the U.S. scientific landscape. Amid persistent uncertainty in federal funding, the digital report confirms two essential truths: philanthropy is now an indispensable part of the research enterprise, and yet it cannot replace robust, sustained public investment in science.
“Philanthropy brings unique strengths to science: flexibility, risk-tolerance, and the ability to move quickly,” said Alliance President and report co-author France Córdova. “But no single sector can carry the weight of the scientific enterprise alone. Our report underscores that philanthropy and federal funding must work together—along with other players—to drive discovery at scale.”
Developed in partnership with the University of California San Diego (UCSD) Frontiers in Science and Innovation Policy (FSIP) Program, the report draws on 70 years of National Science Foundation data and reveals a notable shift in who funds basic research in the U.S. In 1965, the federal government supported 76% of basic research conducted at universities and nonprofit research institutions. By 2023, that share had dropped to just 51%. Over the same period, support from philanthropy and university sources grew from 14% to 39%. While this growth reflects philanthropy’s expanding role, it also raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of the research ecosystem if public investment declines.
“Private funders play a critical role, but they can’t go it alone,” said co-author Robert Conn, who leads UCSD’s FSIP Program and formerly served as president of The Kavli Foundation and as the Alliance’s inaugural Advisory Board Chair. “Federal investment creates the foundation. Philanthropy builds on it.”
The interactive report allows users to filter data and explore specific areas within science and engineering, offering tailored insights based on their interests. It serves as a practical tool for funders navigating a complex and rapidly evolving research landscape.
“Scientists, policymakers, and philanthropists are all working to navigate today’s complex scientific landscape, including identifying critical funding gaps and exploring where new funding and partnership models can make a difference,” said Kate Lowry, Strategy Director at the Alliance and report co-author. “Our intention is that this report equips funders with the data they need to make more informed and effective investments in science.”
Chris Martin, co-author and formerly the Director of Physical Sciences and Associate Vice President of Operations at The Kavli Foundation, emphasized the long-view perspective of the analysis. “This report offers a 70-year look at how science is funded in the U.S., revealing important trends that are often lost in the day-to-day headlines. By examining patterns across decades, we see just how much science philanthropy has grown—and where it can continue to evolve to meet the needs of future discovery.”
Access the full report at indicators.sciphil.org.
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ABOUT THE SCIENCE PHILANTHROPY ALLIANCE
The Science Philanthropy Alliance is the world’s first and longest-standing advising firm focused on helping philanthropists advance discovery science. Founded in 2014 as a collaboration among six foundations, the Alliance has grown into a community of more than 40 philanthropic organizations and has influenced over $4 billion in giving to science. Learn more at sciphil.org.
Media Contact:
Dustin Sposato
Communications Manager, Science Philanthropy Alliance
dsposato@sciphil.org