Science and Engineering / Medical Research

The W.M. Keck Foundation's Research Program seeks to benefit humanity by supporting high-risk/high-impact basic research projects in two specific areas, (1) medical research, and (2) science and engineering, that are distinctive and novel in their approach, question the prevailing paradigm, or have the potential to break open new territory in their field. Past grants have been awarded to major universities, independent research institutions, and medical schools to support pioneering basic biological, physical, science and engineering research.  Keck-funded projects have included the development of promising new technologies, instrumentation or methodologies that lay the groundwork for new paradigms, breakthrough technologies, and discoveries that will save lives, provide innovative solutions, and add to our understanding of the world.

Contact limitedsubs@uw.edu  to receive a document detailing guidance for developing a strong concept for the Keck Foundation, provided by UW Corporate and Foundation Relations.

 Program Priorities: Focus on important and emerging areas of basic research that:

• Has potential to develop breakthrough technologies, instrumentation or methodologies
• Is innovative, distinctive and involves interdisciplinary team
• Demonstrates a high level of risk due to unconventional approaches, or by challenging the prevailing paradigm
• With potential for transformative impact, such as the founding of a new field of research, the enabling of observations not previously possible, or the altered perception of a previously intractable problem
• Does not focus on clinical or translational research, treatment trials or research for the sole purpose of drug development
• Falls outside the mission of public funding agencies
• Demonstrates that private philanthropy generally, and the W.M. Keck Foundation in particular, is essential to the project's success

Potential applicants are encouraged to look at abstracts of past awards on the Keck Foundation website (https://www.wmkeck.org/our-focus-research/#focus-abstracts-research). Please note that once it has funded a new idea, the Keck Foundation looks for the next thing. It does not typically fund a given topic or area or new technology more than once. If you have made efforts to obtain funding for this idea, your pre-proposal should state that, and explain why such efforts have failed. This is a major criterion that the Keck Foundation uses in their decision-making process.

Application Instructions

Please answer Yes or No:

• Does your project involve non-human primates?
• Does your project support diagnostics or development of diagnostic tools?
• Does your project focus on applications or translation of science or engineering (i.e. medical devices)?
• Does your project focus on development of large language models/AI?
• Does your project focus on Public Policy research?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, your pre-application does not fit the Keck funding priority guidelines:   https://www.wmkeck.org/research-overview/#funding-guidelines

If your pre-application fits the funder’s guidelines, please submit as one combined pdf labeled with PI’s Lastname, Firstname:

• A single-paged concept paper, in 12-point font with 1 inch margins, and include:

1. Organization Name and track you are applying for (medical OR science and engineering)
2. Project title
3. Full name of Principal Investigator and co-PIs/collaborators
4. An overview of the proposed project emphasizing any unique aspects and pilot studies (indicate area of emphasis for project - medical research or science and engineering research)
5. A description of the methodologies and key personnel

A brief justification of the need for Keck Foundation support, including specific evidence that the project is not fundable by federal agencies. If you have made efforts to obtain funding for this idea explain why such efforts have failed. This is a major criterion that the Keck Foundation uses in their decision-making process. Eligible documentation may include a declined proposal review or correspondence with a program officer (even verbal), but must indicate that efforts have been unsuccessful due to risk, creativity or innovation, rather than need for preliminary data or methodological concerns.

1. An estimated budget broken down, if possible, by major areas, e.g., personnel, equipment, consumable supplies, etc. (budgets can be rough approximations at this stage)
2. If possible, within the 1-page limit, the authors may add other details (e.g., background to put the research into perspective, description of the institution’s prominence in the field).

Avoid illustrations in these single-pagers – the researchers will need all the room for text. If a reference is necessary, abbreviate it as (Science, 323, 45, ‘11). DO NOT USE (Jones et al., 2011).

• CV of the PI (not biosketch) that covers current, pending and past funding and whether there is overlap with the present proposal. 

to limitedsubs@uw.edu by 5:00 PM Wednesday, November 19, 2025. Proposals are due to the sponsor 5/1/2026, so you will need to have your materials in to the Office of Sponsored Programs by 4/22/2026 if given the go‐ahead by the review committee.