For the future of science we accelerate strategic philanthropy now

We listen. We advise. We Coach. We introduce. We convene. We strategize. We bridge. We translate. We educate. We share. We celebrate. We partner. We support. We include. We uplift

🔭

We listen. We advise. We Coach. We introduce. We convene. We strategize. We bridge. We translate. We educate. We share. We celebrate. We partner. We support. We include. We uplift 🔭

Mission

To build the field of science philanthropy so that more funding is directed to science, health and climate research.

Vision

Trusted philanthropy strategist facilitating relationships to conn-ect more funding, faster, to scientists.

  • We are focused on building relationships between philanthropists and scientists, not on executing transactions.

  • We confidentially listen, observe and share.

  • We support women who support science to lead to more high-impact research.

  • We know that relationships, and science solutions, take time to cultivate.

values

Conn-ect Science to Philanthropy

We bring unparalleled experience. We helped create the field of science philanthropy advising. After more than thirty years in science philanthropy — in the new era of science philanthropy advising professionals — we’ve learned that givers seek help from experts they trust. 

We are bridge builders between science and philanthropy, between givers and getters. We offer givers the models, strategy, subject matter experts, and communities that inspire confidence when supporting science. 

We are conn-ected to scientists across all fields, from astronomy to zoonotic disease. Effective giving requires scientific expertise, knowledge of today’s leading work, and insight into research teams and institutions. We know this landscape is complex, so we work with givers, their staff, and other advisors to demystify how to best support science. We will connect you with peers and institutions to join on your giving journey.  

We are neutral brokers. We are dedicated to empowering philanthropists, scientists, and organizations to advance scientific progress through strategic support and capacity building. Our services are designed to inspire, guide, and strengthen your impact on our health and our planet.

Why us?

Solve with Science

Covid-19 and climate change highlight the urgent need for science solutions. Yet in the twenty-first century, as more people become mega-wealthy, few develop plans to unlock science solutions by systematically and charitably giving their money away during their lifetimes. New funders face obstacles determining how their support will benefit people and our planet. Established givers may also yearn to shift their strategies as science advances and new research opportunities open up. All private funders are evaluating their strategy amidst a rapidly changing funding landscape.

Why now?

advising services

We advise many clients on both the giving and getting sides of science funding. Although science philanthropy has been around since the Medici Princes funded Galileo, the science and health funding ecosystem is increasing complex and difficult to navigate. Today there is an appetite from funders (principals, their staff and advisors), and institutional leaders (scientists, administrative leaders and their development staff) to partner with an expert to increase their skills and knowledge in science philanthropy.

The more people on every side of the science funding equation who are skilled and comfortable with science philanthropy, the faster and more confidently funding will flow to scientific research.

Our clients are foundations and individual funders who work with us in these areas:

strategic Science Philanthropy

Recent work includes:

  • Creating Science Philanthropy Giving Guide, Stories and other materials to inspire confidence and urgency in giving to science, health and climate initiatives

  • Leading science philanthropy training workshops and webinars for philanthropists, their staff and advisors

  • Mentoring principals and their staffs who are new to science philanthropy

  • Engaging funders in co-funding and other partnerships to amplify giving to science, health and climate solutions

  • Advising seasoned philanthropists who are leading fundraising campaigns for science institutions

  • Giving can be complex, overwhelming, emotional, unpredictable and messy. We educate and guide givers on how to give, both short and long term, to embrace the sometimes risky and always scientifically fascinating learning journey of science philanthropy. Our experience validates that giving, learning and creating a funding strategy often happen simultaneously, rarely in a linear, deliberate manner. We are comfortable with being thrown into these fast-paced, “messy” situations provided the funder is highly motivated to drive new funding to science.

buildiNG SKILLS BEYOND the LAB

Recent work includes:

  • Developed Beyond program for foundations to build capacity for science grantees through targeted training and ongoing coaching in skills beyond the lab, such as strategy, fundraising, and communications

  • Coaching science leaders to increase their fundraising success 

  • Repositioning science organizations that are at an inflection point, including designing infrastructure and launching new programs

  • Convening Future Science Salons to build the science funding community

  • Today’s scientists are expected to do far more than conduct research - they must also secure funding, communicate impact, and inspire broad audiences. Yet most scientists are not trained for these non-science essentials. Foundations can work with Future Science Now through the Beyond program to offer capacity building coaching to their grantees.