What is the Science Philanthropy Alliance?

Learn about the Science Philanthropy Alliance’s work to increase philanthropic funding for discovery science and make it more effective.

Presenters: France Córdova, Ph.D. (Science Philanthropy Alliance) and Marc Kastner, Ph.D. (Science Philanthropy Alliance)

Why do philanthropic funders support discovery science?

A panel of foundation leaders will provide insight into why they support discovery science as part of their philanthropic portfolios.

Moderator: Rachel Jackson, M.B.A. (Science Philanthropy Alliance)
Panelists: Dan Linzer, Ph.D. (Research Corporation for Science Advancement), Maria Pellegrini, Ph.D. (W. M. Keck Foundation), David Spergel, Ph.D. (Simons Foundation)

How do foundations determine their priorities?

Hear foundation leaders discuss how they establish their funding priorities and their advice to grantseekers.

Moderator: Harvey Fineberg, Ph.D. (Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation)
Panelists: Adam Falk, Ph.D. (Alfred P. Sloan Foundation), Lou Muglia, Ph.D. (Burroughs Wellcome Fund), Caroline Montojo, Ph.D. (Dana Foundation)

Closing Remarks

Breakout Sessions: Q&A with Foundation Leaders
The breakout session will be a 45-minute conversation and Q&A hosted by foundation leaders and the Alliance’s science and philanthropic advisors. Participants will be randomly assigned to breakout rooms. We hope for a robust conversation, so as you go through the panels on the first day please be thinking about your key takeaways and remaining questions. We do request that questions throughout the meeting be kept general and not pertain to specific potential projects within your institution. 

How are philanthropic funders promoting equity in science?

Learn about philanthropic initiatives to support diversity, equity, and inclusion in science and increase equity in philanthropic grantmaking.

Moderator: Shirley Tilghman, Ph.D. (Science Philanthropy Alliance)
Panelists: Isaac Agbeshie-Noye, Ed.D. (Howard Hughes Medical Institute), Cyndi Atherton, M.S., Ph.D. (Heising-Simons Foundation), Lorelle Espinosa, Ph.D. (Alfred P. Sloan Foundation)

How can institutions position themselves for science philanthropy?

Hear examples of how three universities have engaged science philanthropy, with perspectives from a university president, a research leader, and a development leader.

Moderator: Margaret Leinen, Ph.D. (Science Philanthropy Alliance)
Panelists: Jonelle Bradshaw de Herndanez, M.S., Ph.D. (University of Texas at Austin), Helene Gayle, M.D., MPH (Spelman College), Mari Ostendorf, Ph.D. (University of Washington)

Break

How are philanthropic funders thinking about science and society?

Explore how philanthropic funders are supporting innovative programs at the intersection of science and society.

Moderator: Fleming Crim, Ph.D. (Science Philanthropy Alliance)
Panelists: Elizabeth Good Christopherson (Rita Allen Foundation), Sam Gill, MPhil (Doris Duke Foundation), Matthew Walhout, Ph.D. (John Templeton Foundation)

Closing Remarks