Advancing Scientific Research and Promoting our Community

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

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

In December, the Foundation’s Board of Directors awarded grants to seven organizations in Southern California, totaling $2.5 million. Abstracts for these grants have been
In December, the Foundation’s Board of Directors awarded grants to nine Research institutions, totaling $10.3 million. Abstracts for these grants have been released. Congratulations
Congratulations to Andrew Howard and his team and to the W.M. Keck Observatory on the first on sky measurements using the Keck Planet Finder!  

W. M. Keck Professor of Chemistry Barry Sharpless wins second Nobel Prize

Congratulations to Scripps Research’s K. Barry Sharpless, PhD who was awarded the 2022 Nobel Prize in Chemistry!

Dr. Sharpless won the prize for developing “click chemistry”.  The “click” refers to LEGO™-like construction of molecules using efficient chemical reactions.  This technique has transformed how scientists approach drug discovery, bioimaging, and materials science.

In 1989, the W. M. Keck Foundation contributed $2.9 million to key research at what was then the Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation by constructing a state of the art laboratory for Dr. Sharpless.

Dr. Sharpless also shared the 2001 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work on chirally catalyzed oxidation reactions.

The W. M. Keck Foundation is proud to have provided early funding to awardees of nine Nobel Prizes.

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 Approach

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$150 M

Total Expenditures

$2.5B

Total budget 2021

OUR GRANTS
Ranging from a few thousand to hundreds of thousands of dollars- are awarded organizations, scholars, and activists in over 120 countries

Upcoming Research Deadline:

Concept Counseling

The next Concept Counseling period for the Research Program is open from January 3 through February 15. Counseling calls are scheduled on a first come first served basis; contact the Foundation up to two weeks before the period opens to secure a call.

Upcoming Research Deadline:

Phase I Application

The deadline for Phase I applications to the Research Program is Monday, May 1 at 4:30pm (PT). The Foundation encourages early submissions.

Upcoming Research Deadline:

Phase II Proposal

The deadline for invited Phase II proposal submissions is Monday, August 15, 2022 at 4:30pm (PT). The Foundation encourages early submissions.

Upcoming Southern California Deadline:

Concept Review

The portal for the Southern California Program’s Concept Review period is open April 1 through May 15.

Upcoming Southern California Deadline:

Application

The application deadline for the Southern California Program is Thursday, January 5th at 4:30pm (PT). The Foundation encourages early submissions.

Upcoming Southern California Deadline:

Site Visit

For organizations invited to a Site Visit with the Southern California Program, the deadline to submit required documents is Wednesday, March 1 at 4:30pm (PT).

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 6500

Total Grants Made

$1.5 billion

Total Assets