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 recording and slide deck from the Research Program’s September 2026 webinar on the new application process are now available. The session covers the details of the application as well…

Congratulations to Karl Deisseroth, recipient of the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine! In 2008, three years after Dr. Deisseroth’s first optogenetics report, the W. M. Keck Foundation awarded…

Application Instructions for the Foundation’s new application cycle are published and available to download. The Foundation is hosting a webinar on Tuesday, September 22 to discuss the new process and…

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 Research Program has a new application process. The new application deadline is December 7, 2026. Please see the updated Research Process Overview and download the Application Instructions for more details. The recording from the webinar on the new process is available to watch here. The slide deck is also available for download.

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 2 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