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In This Section:
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Concept PapersResearch Program and Undergraduate Education Program:Please submit all concepts for the Research and Undergraduate Education programs with the designated cover page. Note for First Time Applicants: If you are a new institution/applicant applying to the Foundation, please do so through your central development office and make sure to submit all the required tax and audit documentation listed under our Phase I Application instructions as well as the institutional Fundraising History Form, along with the concepts you wish to discuss. For more information on scheduling a conference call, please see the Application Process and Overview page for your particular program of interest. Single-paged concepts for the Research Program and Undergraduate Education Program should be in 12 point font with 1 inch margins and should include:
If there’s room, the authors are free to add other details (e.g., background to put the research into perspective, description of the institution’s prominence in the field, etc.). Avoid illustrations in these single-pagers – the researchers will need all the room for text. If a reference is necessary, abbreviate it as (Science, 323, 45, ‘11). DO NOT USE (Jones et al., 2011). Only one conference call will be scheduled for each institution to discuss all concepts. These may include up to 4 concepts in the Undergraduate Education Program; and up to 8 concepts in the Research Program as follows: up to 4 concepts in the Science and Engineering area and up to 4 concepts in the Medical Research area. Send your concepts to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Southern California Program:If the organization meets all of the criteria below, please call the Southern California Program Associate at 213-612-2038 to discuss next steps. You may also send a concept paper (see below). If a conversation is recommended, a conference call will be scheduled on a first come, first served basis during the pre-application counseling period.
Single-paged concepts for the Southern California Program should be in 12 point font with 1 inch margins and should contain:
In addition to the single-paged concept, please include a one-page fact sheet on the organization. Send your concepts to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat 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:
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. Organizations must also be able to provide the most recently filed complete Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990), including Public Charity Status and Public Support (Schedule A). If an exempt operating foundation, the organization also must able to provide the most recently filed complete (Return of Private Foundation (Form 990-PF) rather than Form 990. If the organization is a government unit as defined by Section 170(b)(1)(A)(v) and (c)(1) and therefore does not receive a determination letter as to such organization’s tax exempt classification from the Internal Revenue Service, such organization must submit a Declaration of Status. Such declaration must specify:
Such declaration must be signed by the organization’s chief executive or president and by its chief legal officer. A template of such declaration is available upon request. Grant agreements will be deemed to have been entered into in the County of Los Angeles, State of California; and, California law will apply to the interpretation and enforcement of the grant provisions. If the organization is part of a group that received a determination letter as to such group’s tax exempt classification from the Internal Revenue Service, such organization must provide such determination letter that identifies such organization as part of such group. Such organization also must provide an attestation as to the continued group status of such organization. Such attestation must be signed by the organization’s chief executive or president and by its chief legal officer. The Form 990 required for such organization may be the Form 990 of the group. All tax-exempt documentation and audited financial statements must be in the same, current and full name of the qualifying organization or corresponding group. Do you give grants outside the United States?No, the Foundation restricts its grantmaking to organizations located within the contiguous United States. Can a research collaborator be funded outside of the United States?Yes, but only a maximum of 10% of the requested amount can be paid to a collaborator outside the United States. Do you give grants to organizations outside California?The Foundation's Research Program funds 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 Research Program or in the Undergraduate Education Program. However, the Southern California Program currently does fund capital projects. What do you specifically not fund?
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 accept applications for 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 single-page concept papers. Foundation staff may require additional preliminary information. The best times for these contacts are between January 1 and February 15 leading up to a May 1 submittal, or between 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 areas for which they are eligible. Are there deadlines for applications? If so, what are the dates?Yes. Deadlines for Phase I applications are 4:30pm (PT) on May 1 to be considered for the December grant cycle, and 4:30pm (PT) on November 1 to be considered for the June grant cycle. If either date falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the deadline is 4:30pm (PT) the following Monday. Submission of Phase II proposals is by invitation only. The deadlines for invited proposals are 4:30pm (PT) on February 15 for consideration at the June board meeting, and by 4:30 pm (PT) on August 15 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. See the Grant Cycle Timeline for additional information. May I send an application by fax or email?At this time, the Foundation is not accepting electronic or facsimile submissions. Requests must be received in hard copy form and need to be received in our offices by 4:30pm (PT) in order to be considered on deadline days. The hard copy constitutes the official submission. In addition to sending the required hard copy submission for both Phase I and Phase II, 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 or conference call 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. 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 Foundation staff. A written justification should be received accompanied by a revised timetable and budget. Reporting RequirementsThe W. M. Keck Foundation relies on grant reporting to evaluate progress toward the vision and goals we share with each of our grantees. Grant reports offer the opportunity to learn from grantees’ successes and challenges and provide invaluable context to continually refine Foundation grantmaking. Information in the grant reports is carefully reviewed by Foundation staff.Grantee ResponsibilitiesIn accepting an award from the W. M. Keck Foundation, all grantees have consented to comply with the Foundation’s requirements for awarded grants. Please refer to the Grantee Responsibilities for details. Reporting ProceduresWhat to submit...All grantees are required to submit an interim progress report on an annual basis and a final report once all goals have been met (or the project is otherwise complete) and monies expended, including interest earned on the grant award. Each report contains a narrative on progress (or final results) and a financial accounting on the interest earnings and expenditure of grant funds. All grantees must submit their reports utilizing the Foundation’s Report Forms, which can be downloaded from the website. Please make sure that the narrative report and the financial report are submitted in one email via the designated institutional liaison. When to submit...Grantees are expected to report on yearly activities according to the proposed Project Time Period, which usually coincides with the Foundation’s funding cycles in June and December. For grantees that have received payment, the Grant Reporting Schedule is as follows for the duration of the grant: Grant Reporting SchedulePaid Grants:
*Date of Grant Award Letter If either due date falls on a weekend, the deadline is extended to 4:30 p.m. (PT) on the following Monday. Deadlines are based on Pacific Time. Payment ContingenciesIf payment of the award is contingent on the grantee meeting certain condition(s) as stipulated in the grant award letter, the Foundation requests that an update letter be submitted every six months until the condition(s) have been met. Contingency updates are due as follows:
An update letter must address the following points:
If the condition is met prior to the update letter due date, required documentation can be submitted at that time. Once the condition(s) have been met and payment has been received, the grantee will be notified when the first interim progress report is due. On a case by case basis, the grantee will be notified in writing if the Foundation requires information and/or reports on a different schedule. How to submit…Download and complete the Financial Report Form and Interim Progress or Final Report Forms. Email your report forms and other documents according to the instructions of the appropriate grant program:
If you are unable to submit the report by email, please send it to:W. M. Keck Foundation When to contact us…Grantees are encouraged to contact their Program Director during the course of the grant if significant programmatic or financial events transpire that positively or negatively affect the institution, project and/or key personnel. Changes in Scope or Key PersonnelContact the Foundation immediately should the grantee:
Alterations to the Approved Grant BudgetPrior Foundation approval must be sought should the grantee wish to make alterations to the approved grant budget totaling 10% or more in any budget category. If the grantee wishes to make alterations to the grant budget, the Request for Grant Budget Reallocation Form must be submitted for approval. A request for grant budget reallocation can be submitted at any time during the course of the grant. Please submit the request to the appropriate grant program’s email address and put “Request for Grant Budget Reallocation” in the subject line.
Reporting FormsPlease make sure that the narrative report and the financial report are submitted in one email via the designated institutional liaison. Research Program (Medical Research and Science & Engineering Research)Financial Reports Interim & Final Financial Report (Research) Request for Grant Budget Reallocation (Research) Interim Progress Report Interim Narrative Progress Report (Research) Final Report Final Narrative Report (Research)
Undergraduate Education ProgramFinancial Reports Interim & Final Financial Report (Undergraduate Education) Request for Grant Budget Reallocation (Undergraduate Education) Interim Progress Report Interim Narrative Progress Report (Undergraduate Education) Final Report Final Narrative Report (Undergraduate Education)
Southern California ProgramFinancial Reports Interim & Final Financial Reports (Southern California) Request for Grant Budget Reallocation (Southern California) Interim Progress Report Interim Narrative Progress Report (Southern California) Final Reports Grant Cycle TimelineFor awards to be determined in December:
For awards to be determined in June:
* Potential applicants are encouraged to submit their ideas for grants early in the form of single-page concept papers to allow time to schedule a possible consultation. Applicants may submit one Phase I application per grant cycle to each of the following areas for which they are eligible: Medical Research, Science and Engineering Research, Undergraduate Education and Southern California. Requests for both Phase I and Phase II must be received in hard copy form and need to be received in our offices by 4:30pm (PT) in order to be considered on deadline days. If a deadline falls on a weekend, the deadline is extended to 4:30pm (PT) on the following Monday. The hard copy constitutes the official submission. If a full proposal is invited, site visits or conference calls are conducted at the discretion of the Foundation and are generally scheduled in September and October for the December cycle and March and April for the June cycle. Grantee Responsibilities/ Grant AgreementPotential applicants are advised that by submitting a request they are consenting to comply with the following requirements in the event that a grant is awarded:
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