David Koch Foundation
/OVERVIEW: While David H. Koch was mainly known for his political activism, he has also been a major supporter of medical research, primarily focusing on cancer, but with significant support of hospitals, as well.
IP TAKE: While Koch may have deep pockets, securing its funding may not be so easy, as the foundation has no way to apply publicly. Not only is it not an accessible funder, but it also does not like to take grantmaking risks unless those risks involve bolstering conservative values. Progressive grantseekers should take note.
Additionally, money flowing from the foundation has slowed to a crawl following David Koch’s death in 2019. It is possible that this foundation intends to wind down in the coming years.
PROFILE: The David Koch Foundation was established by the late David Koch, the younger of the billionaire Koch brothers, who were, before David’s death in 2018, collectively worth more than $80 billion. In addition to their business, Koch Industries, the Koch brothers were famously immersed in politics and have been involved in philanthropy for years. For a period of time, David Koch was considered to be New York City’s richest resident. The foundation’s areas of interest include science, medical research, education, public policy and the arts.
Grants for Diseases and Public Health
David Koch’s interest in health funding took off after a prostate cancer diagnosis in the early 1990s. He said of his condition: “Once you get that disease...you become a crusader to try to cure the disease not only for yourself but for other people.” To that end, Koch himself and the David H. Koch Charitable Foundation has been a major supporter of cancer research over the years. According to past tax filings, a significant portion of Koch’s disease grantmaking has gone to large national cancer centers such as Memorial Sloan Kettering and MD Anderson. The foundation has also made substantial donations checks to Koch’s alma mater, MIT, to support cancer related research. In the last decade Koch has made gifts of between $500,000 and $1.6 million to major hospitals, medical foundations, and research institutes.
Most recently, the foundation has focused grantmaking on COVID-19 response, including funding for healthcare worker support, emergency hospital infrastructure, drug research and educational media programming. A majority of grants are directed toward New York City organizations.
Grants for Arts and Culture
The David Koch Foundation has broadly supported major performing arts institutions and museums in New York City and beyond, including American Ballet Theatre, Metropolitan Museum of Art, American Museum of Natural History and the New York City Opera.
Important Grant Details:
The David H. Koch Foundation’s website does not provide detailed information about its grant values or grantmaking priorities, and therefore is not transparent about its grantmaking habits. It does not apparently accept unsolicited applications. However, general inquiries may be made via email to info@davidhkochfoundation.org.
PEOPLE:
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CONTACT:
4111 E. 37th St., N.
Wichita, KS 67220-3203
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