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Philanthropy is critical for advancing science

These flexible funds allow investigators to develop and sustain their research vision by encouraging steady, high-impact growth, and positioning the lab for long-term grant support.

Competitive grant applications require feasibility and preliminary/pilot data. This data provides proof-of-concept for the ideas and demonstrates that the lab is capable of performing the proposed work. It takes time, effort, and money to produce this type of data, however, these critical investments are key to successful grant applications and refinement of novel ideas.

Philanthropic support provides a safety net that allows investigators to strategically grow their research.

People often don’t realize how much money is required to sustain and grow a lab. Scientists are expected to pay for their own salaries, salaries of their employees and funded students, equipment maintenance and software renewals, and all research-related costs, including animals and laboratory supplies. Philanthropy serves as a critical bridge between current and future funding.

Investing in research today shapes the scientific advancements of tomorrow.

Supporting research is an investment with long-term impact, especially for early-career investigators.

Grants are the primary mechanism by which research labs are supported. How are these funds used? Let’s say we received a three-year grant consisting of $100,000 per year. These funds could be used to support a technician (25% salary + benefits), graduate student (25% stipend + benefits), and indirect costs/administrative overhead (~10-30% of the grant). After these expenditures, we would have ~$48,000 per year to perform the proposed work. Note that these “smaller” grants don’t cover all laboratory personnel or the principal investigator, and don’t fund equipment maintenance, annual software fees, or other lab expenses. These gaps are typically covered by larger grants or other mechanisms (i.e., through teaching or performing administrative or clinical duties).

Philanthropy meets these funding gaps and allows strategic growth without the constant worry of maintaining funding or the need to write multiple grants per year. This support translates into more time to train students and explore novel ideas.