Advancing Scientific Research and Promoting our Community

We use philanthropy to boost high impact science and community projects; We call this the Keck Effect.

Recent News

The W. M. Keck Foundation Research program is introducing a new 6-month application cycle to enable more responsive grantmaking and create a streamlined process for applicants. Important changes to be…

W. M. Keck Foundation Provides Bridge Funding to Support Early Career Scientists Amid Federal Funding Uncertainty: The W. M. Keck Foundation announced $76 million in total grantmaking for 2025, including…

In December 2025, the Foundation’s Board of Directors awarded 13 grants in the Research Program, totaling $15.4 million. Abstracts for these grants have been released. Congratulations to all our grantees…

Our Mission

The W. M. Keck Foundation strives to create far-reaching benefits for humanity by supporting both outstanding science, engineering & medical research, and organizations that enrich the lives of children, youth and families.

Our Focus

Research

Supporting pioneering discoveries in science, engineering and medical research to generate far-reaching benefits for humanity.

Southern California

Promoting the healthy development of children and youth, strengthening families, and enriching the lives of people in the region.

Special Projects

 Major grants with potential for extraordinary impact invited by the W. M. Keck Foundation Board of Directors.

Upcoming Research Deadline:

Concept Counseling

The due date for the next Concept Counseling period for the Research Program is December 15. Counseling requests are submitted via the portal and calls are scheduled on a first come first served basis. Please note we have updated our concept guidelines.

The next Concept Counseling period for the Research Program is open from January 1 through February 15. Counseling requests are submitted via the portal and calls are scheduled on a first come first served basis.

New Research Process

Application

The W. M. Keck Foundation is rolling out a new Research application process. The Research Program is no longer hold concept counseling calls. The new application deadline is December 7, 2026. Please see the updated Research Process Overview.

Upcoming Research Deadline:

Phase I Application

The deadline for Phase I applications to the Research Program is May 1 at 4:30pm (PT). Applications must be submitted via the Foundation portal. Early submissions are recommended.

Upcoming Research Deadline:

Phase I Application

The deadline for Phase I applications to the Research Program is November 3 at 4:30pm (PT). Applications must be submitted via the Foundation portal. Early submissions are recommended.

Upcoming Southern California Deadline:

Concept Review

The portal for the Southern California Program’s Concept Review period opens April 1 and closes May 1 at 4:30pm (PT). Concept requests must be submitted via the Foundation portal.

Upcoming Southern California Deadline:

Concept Review

The portal for the Southern California Program’s Concept Review period opens October 1 and closes November 3 at 4:30pm (PT). Concept requests must be submitted via the Foundation portal.

Upcoming Southern California Deadline:

Application

The application deadline for the Southern California Program is January 5 at 4:30pm (PT). Applications must be submitted via the Foundation portal.

Upcoming Southern California Deadline:

Application

The application deadline for the Southern California Program is July 1 at 4:30pm (PT). Applications must be submitted via the Foundation portal.

Giving

Since 1954 the W. M. Keck Foundation has made thousands of grants totaling billions of dollars in support of institutions and organizations doing ground-breaking work across the country.

$2.2 billion

Total Grants Awarded

Over 7500

Total Grants Made

$1.7 billion

Total Assets