You’ll start the W.M. Keck Foundation grants process by submitting up to four concise concept papers for initial feedback, giving you a chance to refine your proposal before the full application stage. Only organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status can apply, and all submissions must clearly demonstrate how the proposed research is transformative and high-risk but promises significant impact. The process requires careful preparation, timely submissions, and a compelling narrative to stand out, with awards typically from $500,000 to $5 million. But knowing the steps alone won’t guarantee success—you’ll need to understand how to navigate the Foundation’s priorities and evaluation criteria.
Key Takeaways
- Eligible institutions must have 501(c)(3) status and submit one Phase I application per grant cycle through a designated institutional liaison.
- Applicants first submit a one-page concept paper during the Concept Counseling Phase for feedback and possible invitation to Phase I submission.
- Phase I applications require a project summary, detailed budget, eligibility confirmation, and must be submitted by May 1 or November 1 deadlines.
- Evaluation focuses on high-risk, transformative research distinct from federally funded projects, with innovative, interdisciplinary approaches prioritized.
- Typical grant awards range from $500,000 to $5 million, with no cost-sharing required and emphasis on breakthrough methodologies and transformative impact.
Program Overview and Mission
The W.M. Keck Foundation backs innovative research that challenges the status quo in medical research and science & engineering.
You’ll find grant impact in projects that are bold, novel, and high-risk, aiming for breakthroughs federal agencies might overlook. The Foundation prioritizes work that could transform fields, not just incremental advances.
If you’re at a major university, independent research institution, or medical school, Keck’s support can help you pursue pioneering ideas with real potential for lasting change.
Their mission is to fuel discovery that reshapes understanding and drives progress.
2. Eligibility Requirements
To secure W.M. Keck Foundation grants, you must meet strict grant eligibility and funding prerequisites.
Your organization must be a research university, medical college, or major independent scientific or medical research institute with IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. California organizations also need a state exemption letter.
You’ll need to submit certified audited financial statements and the most recent Form 990 or 990-PF.
Collaborative projects require a lead institution meeting these criteria. Government units must provide a Declaration of Status.
Organizations without tax-exempt rulings or independent financial statements are ineligible.
3. Concept Counseling Phase
Once you’ve confirmed your organization meets the foundational eligibility criteria, you’ll move into the application process itself, which begins with the Concept Counseling Phase. You can submit up to four concepts for grant feedback during two windows: July 1–August 15 or January 1–February 15. While optional, this phase is strongly encouraged since Foundation staff provide valuable guidance before formal submission. Submit early—slots fill quickly on a first-come, first-served basis. Remember, you’re limited to one submission per cycle, and concept papers require one page maximum.
| Phase | Timeline | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Concept Counseling | July 1–Aug 15 or Jan 1–Feb 15 | Expert grant feedback |
| Submission Window | First-come, first-served | Secure your slot early |
| Revision Period | Before Phase I deadline | Strengthen your application |
4. Concept Paper Guidelines
You’ll need to craft a concept paper that meets specific formatting and content requirements to move forward in the Keck Foundation’s competitive review process.
Your submission must fit on a single page using 12-point font with one-inch margins, incorporating a clear project overview, budget breakdown, and evidence of why Keck’s support is essential to your research’s success.
Keep in mind you’re limited to one submission per organization per cycle, so your concept paper should emphasize the high-risk, transformative nature of your work and demonstrate how it falls outside traditional federal funding priorities.
Concept Paper Requirements
While preparing your W. M. Keck Foundation concept paper, verify your structure is clear and concise: one page, 12-point font, one-inch margins.
Highlight your project’s title, overview, timeline, estimated cost, and requested amount. Emphasize how your work aligns with Keck’s funding priorities—breakthrough potential, high risk, transformative impact, and interdisciplinary innovation.
Demonstrate evidence of efficacy and impact. Include an estimated budget breakdown for personnel, equipment, and supplies.
Submit all documentation at once; no updates are allowed. Your concept paper must show why Keck support is crucial and why federal funding isn’t a fit.
Submission and Format Rules
Because the W. M. Keck Foundation values concept clarity and a strict submission format, your concept paper must be concise and well-organized. Submit one page through the Keck portal via your institution’s liaison. Include your project title, timeline, estimated costs, and requested funding. An estimated budget breakdown is essential. Abbreviated references are allowed, but no illustrations or updates after submission. You can submit up to four concepts across different programs during counseling periods.
| Element | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Page Limit | 1 page |
| Submission Method | Keck portal (liaison) |
| Budget Breakdown | Required |
| Updates/Illustrations | Not permitted |
5. Phase I Application Process
You’ll submit your Phase I application through your institution’s designated liaison, who must file it by the deadline—May 1 for the December board meeting or November 1 for the June board meeting.
Only one application per grant cycle is allowed per organization, and once you submit, no updates are permitted.
If your application is accepted, you’ll get an email confirmation and, if invited, move on to the next steps.
Phase I Submission Steps
Once you’ve completed your concept counseling and are ready to move forward, the Phase I application is your next critical step.
Your institution’s designated liaison must submit your application by the deadline—May 1 or November 1, depending on the cycle.
Follow these submission tips and application checklist:
- Prepare your project summary, description, and detailed budget breakdown
- Confirm your institution submits only one Phase I application per category
- Submit early; deadlines shift to Monday if they fall on weekends
- Remember you can’t contact the Foundation about status; they’ll invite you to site visits
Plan ahead and don’t miss your opportunity.
Application Eligibility Requirements
Before submitting your Phase I application, verify that your organization qualifies as a research university, medical college, or major independent scientific or medical research institute holding valid 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt status.
You can only submit one Phase I application per grant cycle, so conduct thorough eligibility verification early in the application process. Confirm your organization’s tax status with a valid IRS determination letter and provide certified audited financial statements along with the most recent Form 990 or 990-PF.
The application must be submitted by a designated institutional liaison, with no updates allowed post-submission. Ascertain eligibility to avoid disqualification.
6. Phase II Proposal and Site Visit
Although only institutions invited after their Phase I submission may advance, the Phase II proposal for the W. M. Keck Foundation requires careful attention to detail.
You’ll submit a 12-page proposal by February 15, 2026, following your January 15 invitation notification. Your submission must include:
- Detailed project plans and comprehensive methodologies
- Thorough budget breakdowns aligned with Foundation guidelines
- Clear articulation of research impact and innovation
- Site visit preparation materials for your proposal presentation
After submission, expect Foundation staff to schedule a site visit where you’ll present your project directly, making this phase critical for securing funding success.
7. Submission Timeline and Deadlines
You’ve prepared for the detailed demands of the Phase II proposal and site visit, but knowing the exact submission timeline and deadlines is just as important for your success.
Your submission strategy hinges on meeting key dates: concept counseling runs July 1–August 15, with Phase I applications due November 1, 2025.
Successful proposals then submit Phase II proposals by February 15, 2026.
Effective timeline management means tracking these windows carefully—you’ll receive Phase I invitations by January 15, 2026, giving you limited time to prepare your comprehensive Phase II submission.
8. Key Evaluation Criteria
When the W. M. Keck Foundation evaluates your proposal, they’re looking for transformative research that breaks new ground.
Here’s what matters most:
- Your project’s potential for high-impact, paradigm-shifting discoveries
- Evidence you’ve attempted conventional funding sources without success
- Innovative methodologies demonstrating interdisciplinary collaboration
- Clear justification for why private philanthropy is essential
The evaluation methods prioritize risk-taking and novelty over incremental advances.
You’ll need to articulate how your work challenges existing assumptions and enables previously impossible observations.
Demonstrate genuine innovation—not just refinement of established approaches.
Showcase your research team’s expertise and compelling preliminary data supporting feasibility.
9. Award Information and Funding Range
The W.M. Keck Foundation‘s grant sizes typically range from $500,000 to $5 million, though recent awards cluster around $1 million to $1.5 million.
You’ll find your funding priorities align with the Foundation’s focus on distinctive, novel research that challenges prevailing paradigms.
Whether you’re pursuing medical research or science and engineering projects, the Foundation emphasizes high-risk, transformative work with significant potential impact.
Award amounts vary based on your project’s scope and complexity, but you won’t need to provide cost-sharing.
Your grant size ultimately depends on how well your proposal demonstrates innovation, methodological breakthroughs, and the capacity to reshape your field.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Steps in the Grant Process?
You start by ensuring grant eligibility and alignment with funding priorities, then submit up to four one-page concept papers for optional counseling. Next, submit one Phase I application per cycle via your institution’s liaison. If invited, submit a detailed Phase II proposal for final funding consideration.
How Long Does It Take to Hear Back From a Grant Application?
You’ll receive acknowledgment within four weeks of submitting Phase I, yet invitations for Phase II arrive six to eight weeks later. The grant notification timeline accelerates your application review process significantly.
How Can I Increase My Chances of Getting a Grant?
You can boost your grant writing success by seeking proposal feedback early, highlighting your project’s novelty, and showing how it challenges norms. Welcome interdisciplinary teams and refine your approach based on expert input.
What Are Four of the 5 Steps Required for a Grant Proposal?
You’ve got to hit the ground running: submit concept papers, craft your Phase I proposal with detailed project elements, secure Phase II invitation feedback, and finalize funding criteria documentation. You’ll strengthen your grant application considerably.
Conclusion
You’re now ready to tackle the Keck Foundation grants process. Remember, only about 1 in 10 concept papers gets invited to Phase I—so make yours stand out. Focus on bold, transformative ideas that push boundaries. With grants often hitting $1 million or more, your chance to drive real change is real. Go for it, and give your project the edge it deserves.