Basic Science

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Philanthropic support for science is substantial, in some areas on par with government funding. While the government is the biggest source of funding for research, federal funding for basic science — that is, research in areas such as physics, cosmology and mathematics — has been on the decline. That makes philanthropy for science ever more important. Much of the philanthropic giving for science flows to applied sciences such as research into diseases, leaving a lot of room for funders to contribute to basic science research and discovery. There are opportunities for donors of all levels to support basic science, including fellowships for individual scientists, advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in the field, and backing nonprofit news and media organizations that are working to increase public understanding of basic science. Private funders’ ability to be nimble and take risks can translate to support for new and experimental research, which means philanthropy has a special role in supporting scientific progress and backing potentially game-changing discoveries. 

Strategies for Impact

Nonprofit institutions, individual scientists, and science journalists are engaged in a range of efforts to research, advance and improve public understanding of basic science. All of this work is important and could benefit from greater donor support. Below, we discuss several areas where donors might focus their funding and spotlight several organizations in each that represent the kind of groups and projects that donors might consider supporting.

  • Explore personal connections or underfunded areas. Research is the core of science. Choose an area of science that excites you or that you think has the potential to make a big impact. You can support research in that field by giving to universities with established programs, supporting capital projects to build new labs and institutes, or funding fellowships for individual scientists.

  • Support cross-disciplinary projects and collaboration. Too often, science research is siloed, answering discrete questions but missing potentially interesting connections. Private funders have more flexibility to support innovative, cross-disciplinary research and collaborative projects. This may come in the form of supporting an interdisciplinary team of researchers, funding conferences or other cross-disciplinary networking opportunities, or giving to research institutes devoted to cross-disciplinary collaboration. 

  • Increase popular understanding of science. The COVID-19 pandemic and climate crisis laid bare how gaps in public understanding of basic science can have life-or-death consequences. Yet news organizations are cutting budgets right and left, and science reporting is often at risk. Philanthropists can fill the gap by funding science journalism at nonprofit news outlets, public-television documentaries and other media projects about science. SciLine is a nonprofit that connects scientists and journalists, funded by philanthropy so that their services are free. Another opportunity here is to support individual journalists and filmmakers through fellowships or awards. 

  • Consider supporting new, cutting-edge projects. Philanthropists have the flexibility to take risks that government funders can’t take. Philanthropic investment in scientific innovation and experiment could lead to major advances and meaningful impact. You’ll want to think about your own risk tolerance and how adventurous you want to be with your giving. If you are open to taking some risks and supporting new things, you may be rewarded with knowing you had a hand in big breakthroughs. (You might also want to read IP’s Donor Brief on venture philanthropy.)  

  • Back scientists of color, women and LGBTQ+ scientists. Women and people of color are still underrepresented in STEM education and the STEM workforce. Yet diversity in research groups is positively correlated with scientific impact, the Science Philanthropy Alliance reports. Minority-serving institutions not only educate and train diverse student populations, they also have more trusted relationships with the communities they serve, which can make a positive difference in scientific research as well as outreach and community impact. If equity and inclusion are values that drive your giving, you might consider giving to science programs at HBCUs or tribal colleges or funding fellowships for scientists from communities that are historically underrepresented in a particular scientific field. 

Insights and Advice

In considering which impact strategies to support, donors should take into account their personal interests and outlook to find the best fit. Keep an eye out for emerging opportunities to give for science with maximum impact. Here, we offer a few insights and suggestions:

  • Don’t go it alone. Intermediaries and philanthropy-serving organizations can do a huge amount of the leg work of identifying opportunities in the field. Getting involved with one of these groups is a great way for donors to save time and give more effectively. The Science Philanthropy Alliance, for example, provides expert guidance for funders on where and how to give most effectively for basic science. Another notable organization is the Open Research Funders Group. 

  • Make a long-term commitment. Research takes time, and many of the leading science funders sustain their giving to a researcher or project for years. A multiyear grant allows scientists to do extended research without worrying about how to fund it each year. If you find a project or researcher doing good work, stick with them. Dependable funding lets scientists do science rather than fundraising.

  • But take opportunities for quick wins. Some science projects are short-term by design, and those need funding, too. If a one-time gift or grant allows you to be more open to new projects and new partnerships, there are plenty of opportunities to give that way, too. 

For Donors Getting Started

Donors who are new to this space should take the time to learn about the landscape. Spend some time reading recent IP articles about philanthropic giving for science. The Science Philanthropy Alliance has a blog and also curates articles from other outlets about science philanthropy. SPA also advises donors on how to prioritize and focus their giving for science. The Open Research Funders Group also offers informative resources for donors. 

But the best way to get started giving for science is to make some initial gifts, get to know the work of the organizations or scientists you’re supporting, and connect early with a funding intermediary that can help you learn more about this giving area and increase your giving in a thoughtful way.

Have suggestions for improving this brief? Please email us at editor@insidephilanthropy.com.