For nearly a quarter of a century, we have helped donors achieve both satisfaction and impact from their charitable investments. Many of our clients are motivated by a disease affecting their loved ones, concerns about climate change, or a passion for fostering scientific breakthroughs. We are now in an even better position to help them through this new partnership with Science Philanthropy Alliance (“the Alliance”). Working closely with the Alliance, we can enhance our support for donors who want to fund innovative scientific research. We are excited and proud to launch this relationship gives us access to more subject matter experts, research, and funding opportunities.
Whether it’s due to a disease affecting their family, concerns about climate change, or a desire to support innovation and opportunity that will advance scientific breakthroughs, many donors don’t know where to start or how to make a meaningful impact. Through this new partnership, we can connect our clients with the brightest minds in science, ensuring they support the most impactful strategies, institutions, and individuals to achieve their goals.
The Alliance is an organization dedicated to increasing philanthropic support for basic science. It aims to accelerate scientific discovery by helping philanthropists understand the importance of basic science and how to effectively fund it. Drawing on its distinguished external science advisors and a membership base of leading science funders, it helps ensure that philanthropic dollars are invested wisely to drive groundbreaking research.
We asked President, France A. Córdova, Ph.D., about why the Alliance is particularly relevant now and what the challenges and opportunities are for the organization and for donors. Dr. Córdova is a distinguished leader in science, engineering, and education, with over three decades of experience at universities and national labs. An internationally recognized astrophysicist, Dr. Córdova has made significant contributions to space research and instrumentation. Before joining the Alliance, she was the fourteenth director of the National Science Foundation (NSF).
Why does the Alliance focus much of its resources on discovery science?
We use this term to distinguish it from applied science and development, which are important but generally well-resourced with corporate funding. Discovery Science refers to science that is done to increase our knowledge of nature with the idea that such knowledge can be translated into extensive or varied public benefit. There are many examples such as MRI, the COVID-mRNA vaccine, semiconductors, lasers, GPS, and AI. All of these started with scientific research into unknown areas and without having any notion of the amazing outcomes. We also include tools and technologies for science, as well as STEM education and workforce in our definition, since these areas are essential for the success of scientific discovery.
Last year, the Alliance published a major thought leadership report, The Science Philanthropy Indicators Report, which enabled many in our science community, especially funders, to have a greater understanding of the National Foundation of Science data examining basic research in the United States through a philanthropic lens focusing on higher education and nonprofit research sectors.
Why do you think more donors don’t fund science?
Many donors are interested in supporting science, but they may be hesitant to fund basic research because its outcomes often seem uncertain or long-term, compared to more immediate, tangible impacts in other areas. The complexities of basic science research can make it challenging for donors to understand how their philanthropy can contribute to scientific discoveries and their public benefits. Additionally, the complex science funding landscape and the traditional role of government funding can leave some donors unsure of how they can make a meaningful difference. Therefore, our organization works closely with science-focused funders to help them understand how they can make an impact in a way that is most meaningful to them. Additionally, we offer learnings to inform and engage philanthropists, at every stage, about the substantial impact that philanthropy can have on advancing science. This often includes collaborations with renowned scientists, including Nobel laureates. Through these varied activities, we have witnessed remarkable partnerships develop between philanthropy and the scientific community.
What do you think donors should do, or think about, before engaging in successful science philanthropy?
They should explore the “landscape” of what they want to fund. Is their philanthropy touching an under-resourced area? Do they have a passion to make meaningful change in that area? What does success look like? Do the people who will spend their donation have a vision and a strategy to succeed? Informing funders through landscape analyses is an area of support our organization excels in providing. The Alliance’s experienced philanthropic advisors and external science advisors provide advice to interested philanthropists and foundations, enabling them to support scientific research, either for the first time or at a higher level than before and with more confidence and satisfaction.
What trends are you seeing in science philanthropy?
We are seeing more gifting to the challenging issues of the day. For example, climate change mitigation, ocean science, food and nutrition in poor areas of the world, science policy, neuroscience, and social sciences are gaining more traction.
Why is it valuable for the Alliance to have a partnership with Strategic Philanthropy, Ltd?
The Alliance and Strategic Philanthropy share the goal of helping philanthropists effectively navigate the complex field of philanthropy to maximize their financial and social impact. Both organizations possess extensive expertise in philanthropy. Collaborating enables the exchange of knowledge, perspectives, and best practices, which can improve the effectiveness of both our efforts and programs. The Science Philanthropy Alliance aims to advance science through visionary philanthropy. By partnering with Strategic Philanthropy, Ltd., and taking advantage of their deep understanding of strategic planning, we can better assist philanthropists on their philanthropic journey.
The Science Philanthropy Alliance and Strategic Philanthropy, Ltd. Partnership
Philanthropy plays a crucial role in advancing science. While it may not match the scale of
government and pharmaceutical funding, private funding can take risks, fill gaps, and be more responsive and flexible. It can also leverage government and corporate funding to maximize impact.
If you or your clients are interested in learning how to make a difference through funding science, the Alliance and Strategic Philanthropy, Ltd. are here to help.
