What are the Foundation's funding priorities?

The Foundation strives to fund endeavors that are distinctive and novel in their approach. It encourages projects that are high-risk with the potential for transformative impact. "High-risk" comprises a number of factors, including questions that push the edge of the field, present unconventional approaches to intractable problems, or challenge the prevailing paradigm. In all our programs, "transformative" may mean creation of a new field of research, development of new instrumentation enabling observations not previously possible, or discovery of knowledge that challenges prevailing perspectives. In addition to the above, in the Southern California Program, transformative may also mean positioning an organization for growth and adaptability.  Applicants may find it helpful to look over the abstracts of recent grants for understanding funding priorities.  Grant abstracts may be found on our website within the particular program of interest.

Do you give grants to individuals?

No, the Foundation only makes grants to eligible institutions.

How do I determine if my organization is eligible to apply for a grant?

Organizations must be exempt from federal taxation as defined by Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and be designated as a public charity (and not a private foundation) as defined by Section 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2) or 170(b) of the Internal Revenue Code. If the institution is located in the State of California, the organization must also be exempt from California State Franchise or Income Tax under Section 23701(d) of the Revenue and Taxation Code.

Organizations must be able to provide current full, certified, audited financial statements prepared on an annual basis in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. If in existence less than five years, the organization must be able to provide at least three consecutive full, certified, audited financial statements prepared on an annual basis. Applicants to the Southern California Program must also be able to submit an IRS Form 990.

Do you give grants outside the United States?

No, the Foundation restricts its grantmaking to organizations located within the United States.

Do you give grants to organizations outside California?

The Foundation's grants programs in Science and Engineering Research and Medical Research fund projects nationwide. The Undergraduate Education Program funds projects only in Foundation designated states, although organizations that address undergraduate needs at the national level are also eligible. The Southern California Program restricts grants to organizations headquartered in Southern California that serve communities in Los Angeles County. On a case by case basis, grants may be made to national or statewide organizations that have an independent affiliate or local chapter or office located in Southern California that serves communities in Los Angeles County.

Do you fund capital projects?

Not in the Science and Engineering Research and Medical Research Programs or in the Undergraduate Education Program. However, the Southern California Program currently does fund capital projects.

What do you specifically not fund?

• Routine institutional or general operating expenses, general endowments, deficit reduction, or general or administrative overhead expenses
• General and federated campaigns, including fundraising events, dinners, or mass mailings
• Support for conduit organizations, unified funds, or organizations that use grant funds from donors to support other organizations or individuals
• Clinical research or treatment trials
• Sponsorship of conferences or seminars, publication of books or the production of films or theater, and public policy research or activities of any kind
• Student tuition or fees
• In the Southern California Program, in addition to the above restrictions, funding is not considered for: organizations not having their headquarters in Southern California, or in the case of national or statewide organizations, not having an independent affiliate or local chapter or office located in Southern California that serves communities in Los Angeles County; support for organizations or projects to be undertaken outside Los Angeles County.

Do you give grants for general operating support?

No, the Foundation does not make grants for general operating support.

Do you sponsor events or dinners?

No.

Does the Foundation provide scholarship or fellowship grants?

No, the Foundation does not make grants to individuals or to endowments for scholarships or fellowships.

Do I have to contact Foundation staff prior to submitting a request?

No, but we strongly urge applicants to contact the Foundation well in advance of submitting a Phase I application. Potential applicants are encouraged to submit their ideas for grants in the form of a single-page concept paper.  Foundation staff may require additional preliminary information and may recommend a conference call or office visit with the institution's key administrative and scientific or program personnel. The best times for these contacts are between January 1 and February 15 leading up to a May 1 submittal, or July 1 and August 15 leading up to a November 1 submittal. Initial contact from a multi-unit organization (such as a college, university or agency branch location) must be coordinated through the institution's central development office. Most colleges and universities have designated an official liaison to the Foundation. Other personnel contacting the Foundation will be referred to the central liaison.

How often can I apply for a grant?

Eligible institutions may submit one request per grant cycle to each of the Foundation's program areas for which they are eligible. The Foundation will consider, on a case by case basis, new requests to any grant program area before a grant in that program has been fully expended.

Are there deadlines for applications? If so, what are the dates?

Yes. Deadlines for Phase I applications are 4:30 p.m. (PT) on May 1 to be considered for the December grant cycle, and 4:30 p.m. (PT) on November 1 to be considered for the June grant cycle. If either date falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the deadline is 4:30 p.m. (PT) the following Monday. Submission of Phase II proposals is by invitation only. The deadlines for invited proposals are 4:30 p.m. (PT) on February 15 for consideration at the June board meeting, and by 4:30 p.m. (PT) on August 23 for consideration at the December board meeting. If either date falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the deadline is 4:30 p.m. (PT) on the following Monday. The Foundation encourages earlier submissions for both Phase I and Phase II. All deadlines are based on Pacific Time. Grant Cycle Timeline.

May I send an application by fax or email?

At this time, the Foundation is not accepting electronic or facsimile submissions.  However, in addition to sending the required hard copy submission, we would appreciate receiving an electronic copy.  Instructions for submitting electronic copies are provided in each program's application forms.  Please note this is not in lieu of the required hard copy.  Staff may also request additional information be sent to the Foundation via email.

Does your staff conduct site visits so we can present our project?

Yes. If an applicant is invited to submit a Phase II Proposal, staff may, at their discretion, conduct a site visit to gain additional information about the program or project.

When are grants made?

Grants are approved at the Foundation's board meetings in June and December.

What is the average size and duration of your grants?

The average size and duration of grants varies by project and program area. Research grants range from $500,000 to $5 million, and are typically $2 million or less. Undergraduate Education grants range from $200,000 to $1 million, but are typically under $500,000. Southern California grants range from $100,000 to $1 million, but typically are under $500,000. Duration of grants ranges from one to five years. In 2013, Research grants will continue to be capped at $1 million and Undergraduate Education grants at $250,000.

How many grants are made each year?

The number of grants made varies each year.

Can I request a no cost extension?

No cost extensions can be approved at the discretion of the Program Director. A written justification should be received accompanied by a revised timetable and budget.

Can you suggest other possible funding sources?