The Science Philanthropy Alliance is pleased to share its 2026 Science Philanthropy Indicators Report, offering a comprehensive interactive picture of the U.S. research funding landscape.
As science funding continues to evolve, the report provides philanthropists, researchers, policymakers, and institutional leaders with timely data to better understand where support for scientific discovery is growing, where it is under pressure, and where strategic investments can have the greatest impact.
Developed in partnership with the University of California San Diego (UCSD) Frontiers in Science and Innovation Policy (FSIP) Program, this year’s report introduces two new features: institution-specific data for universities across the United States and international comparisons of research and development (R&D) investment.
Among the report's findings, philanthropy supported an estimated $27.0 billion in basic and applied research expenditures at universities and nonprofit research organizations in 2024, representing 21% of total support. The federal government remained the largest funder, providing $63.3 billion, or half of all research support. The report also underscores the federal government's critical role in supporting the next generation of scientists, funding one-quarter of doctoral students and nearly half of postdoctoral researchers in science and engineering.
“The research funding landscape is changing rapidly, making it more important than ever for funders to have access to clear, reliable data,” said Alliance President and report co-author France Córdova. “Whether examining research investment at a particular institution, across a state, or in the context of the global research enterprise, this year's expanded report provides the data leaders need to help build a stronger and more resilient science ecosystem.”