Overview The W.M. Keck Foundation was founded with the goal of generating far-reaching benefits for humanity. Following the ideals of our founder, the Foundation supports outstanding science, engineering and medical research, undergraduate education; and, in Southern California, arts and culture, education, health and community service projects that will have a significant impact in solving complex issues and problems. 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. "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. To make grant determinations, the Foundation relies upon a wide range of input, including assessments by its professional staff, site visits (where appropriate), peer reviews, the latest available scientific information in print, and presentations by experts in scientific, medical and health and human service fields. Science and Engineering and Medical Research Programs Supporting pioneering discoveries in science, engineering and medicine has been our mandate from the beginning. By funding the high-risk/high-impact work of leading researchers, we are laying the groundwork for new paradigms, technologies and discoveries that will save lives, provide innovative solutions, and add to our understanding of the world. A special program, Distinguished Young Scholars in Medical Research, gives the nation's most promising young scientists the resources they need to pursue potentially breakthrough research projects in biomedicine. Undergraduate Education Program We believe that a high-quality, well-rounded college education is vital for tomorrow's workforce and leaders. The Foundation's undergraduate program promotes distinctive learning and research experiences in science, engineering and the liberal arts at undergraduate colleges only in Foundation designated states, or through organizations that address undergraduate needs at the national level. Southern California Program The Foundation supports Southern California-based organizations that enrich the lives of our region's residents. In recent years, we have placed a special emphasis on children, youth and their families in Los Angeles County, with the goal of providing safe, healthy, supportive environments that prepare children to succeed in school and in life. Toward this goal, the Foundation added a focus on early learning to promote excellence in early childhood education in Southern California. Please note that the Foundation does not make grants to individuals, or to institutions outside the United States.