W. M. Keck Foundation Research Program

Sponsor: W. M. Keck Foundation
Internal Deadline: 10/30/2026
Institutional Submission Limit: 3
Program Website

The W. M. Keck Foundation Research Program supports basic science research projects that are distinctive and novel in their approach, question the prevailing paradigm, or have the potential to break open new territory in their field. The Foundation funds pioneering biological and physical science research and engineering, including the development of promising new technologies, instrumentation, or methodologies in service of answering basic scientific questions.

The Foundation seeks projects that aim to deliver pioneering and fundamental scientific discoveries in important and emerging areas of research. Strong proposals should clearly identify the basic scientific question to be answered, the knowledge gap, the unique aspects of the approach, the positioning of the project relative to the field, any preliminary data, the project team, the methodology, the potential impact, and the high-risk features of the work.

The Foundation does not fund medical devices or bench-to-bedside translational research; projects solely focused on engineering equipment, tools, or materials; engineering for efficiency, optimization, or cost reduction; clinical trials, therapies, or procedures; drug discovery, development, or delivery; disease biomarker screening; digital twin implementations; user facilities or equipment for shared facilities; supplements, renewals, or follow-on funding; conferences or science policy; general operating expenses; endowments; deficit reduction; conference or seminar sponsorship; or capital projects.

The Foundation is introducing a new six-month application cycle. Concept consultations will no longer be offered, and the previous multi-stage process will be replaced by a single proposal submission. Submission deadlines will occur in December and June

 

Submission Process

Faculty interested in submitting for this opportunity should submit the following materials as a single PDF to Corporate and Foundation Relations at USCCFR@sc.edu by 5:00 p.m. on October 30, 2026:

· A 2–3-page project summary written for a non-expert/lay audience that describes the basic scientific question, knowledge gap, project aims, distinctive or paradigm-challenging aspects of the work, methodology, risk, potential impact, key personnel, and how approximately $1 million in Keck funding would enable the project.

· A brief estimated budget, including whether faculty salary, student tuition/fees, equipment, or other major costs are anticipated. Please note that indirect costs are not allowed.

· A 2–3-page CV or biosketch for the PI and any key Co-PIs/collaborators.

· If applicable, a brief description of any collaborative arrangements, anticipated capital equipment, or other support.

For questions, please contact Jenni Asman, Corporate and Foundation Relations, University Development, at asmanj@mailbox.sc.edu