Keck Foundation: Research Grant Program

From W. M. Keck Foundation

The W. M. Keck Foundation aims to advance the frontiers of science, engineering, and medical research. Through its funding programs, the Foundation seeks to support pioneering discoveries that have the potential to generate significant insights or open new avenues in their respective fields.

Type of Support

Overview

The W. M. Keck Research Program is dedicated to empowering groundbreaking research in the domains of Medical Research and Science & Engineering. The program is uniquely focused on projects that are innovative and daring, challenging existing paradigms, or capable of establishing new fields of inquiry. It targets proposals that are distinct in their approach, aiming to fund work that not only advances knowledge but also has the potential to catalyze significant breakthroughs. Priority is given to projects from major universities, independent research organizations, and medical schools, especially those engaging in novel biological, physical science, and engineering research, including the development and implementation of new technologies, instruments, or methods.

Eligibility

Organization's Location

USA

Program Location

USA

Organization Type

Research universities

Medical colleges

Major private independent scientific and medical research institutes

Organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status including public charities as defined by Section 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2) or 170(b)(A)(I-VI)

Exempt operating foundations as defined by Section 4940(d)(2)

Other

Must provide IRS determination letter demonstrating exemption from federal taxation
If located in the State of California, must provide a California FTB letter demonstrating exemption from California State Franchise or Income Tax under Section 23701(d)
Required to submit current full, certified, audited financial statements if in existence for five or more years, or at least two consecutive audited financial statements if in existence for less than five years
Must submit the most recently filed complete Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990), or Form 990-PF for exempt operating foundations
If part of a collaborative project, the lead institution must be identified, and all members must meet eligibility requirements
Government units not receiving an IRS determination letter must submit a Declaration of Status
If part of a group with an IRS tax-exempt determination, must provide the determination letter and an attestation of continued group status
Legal and financial documents must be current, in the full name of the organization, and consistent across submissions
The grant agreement will be governed by California law
Fund projects that are in emerging research areas, could develop breakthrough technologies or methodologies, are innovative, interdisciplinary, and high-risk, have transformative potential, fall outside public funding missions, and require W. M. Keck Foundation support for success

Ineligibility

General operating expenses, endowments, or deficit reduction

Grants to individuals

Public policy research

General and federated campaigns, including fundraising events, dinners, or mass mailings

Book publication and film productions

Conference or seminar sponsorship

Medical devices and translational research

Treatment trials or research for the sole purpose of drug development

Capital Projects

Private foundations (other than exempt operating foundations) or 509(a)(3) organizations

Institutions located outside the United States

Institutions without at least three consecutive years of certified audited financial statements

Institutions lacking a tax-exempt ruling from the federal government (and State of California for those in CA) or government units without a signed Declaration of Status

Institutions that are subsidiaries or affiliates of larger entities without a separate board of directors and independent audited financial statements

“Conduit” organizations, unified funds or organizations using grant funds to support others

1M – 5M

Application deadlines