Southern California 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 grant program supports capital projects, expansion of promising programs or those part of a larger effort, piloting new models, and initiatives aimed at changing systems. It aims to strategically address compelling issues and have a significant impact on the target population, region, or field. The process includes an optional concept review, application, and an invitation-only site visit, focusing on projects within its five areas of interest that can demonstrate potential for significant impacts.

Eligibility

Organization's Location

USA

Program Location

CA (Los Angeles County)

Organization Type

Organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status

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)

Government units as defined by Section 170(b)(1)(A)(v) and (c)(1) without an IRS determination letter but with a Declaration of Status

Organization Budget And Years

Organization's annual budget is at least 100k

Other

Headquartered in Southern California
National or statewide organizations with an independent affiliate, local chapter, or office in Southern California for Los Angeles County projects
Must provide IRS determination letter or California FTB letter if located in California
Must have current, certified, audited financial statements (at least two consecutive years if in existence for less than five years)
Must submit the most recent complete 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 must submit a Declaration of Status

Ineligibility

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

Organizations planning projects outside Los Angeles County

Organizations applying for one-year-only projects

Projects lacking site control or required permits

Organizations with pending leadership transitions or interim leadership

Projects previously funded by the Foundation

Requests for ongoing support of existing programs, unrestricted funding, or administrative overhead

Projects aimed at reducing operating deficits or for deferred facilities maintenance

Projects establishing endowments or award scholarships

Projects sponsoring special events

Projects underwriting book or media production

Requests under $100,000

Grants to individuals

Organizations without two consecutive years of audited financials

Organizations located outside the United States

Organizations without federal and, if in California, state tax-exempt status

Government units without a Declaration of Status

Subsidiaries or affiliates of larger entities without independent governance or finances

"Conduit" organizations or those using grants to support others.

100k – 1M

Application deadlines

Submission

Schedule

Step 1: Letter of Inquiry

Application deadlines

Nov 15

May 15, 2025

Step 2: Full proposal (check website)

Review Criteria

Our focus is on supporting organizations dedicated to enhancing the resilience of communities in Los Angeles County with limited resources. We particularly value initiatives aimed at assisting children and youth belonging to low-income families and groups with special needs, such as the developmentally disabled, children in foster care, and families experiencing homelessness.