Dear Partners,
The scientific ecosystem is in a period of profound transition. Across the United States and globally, shifts in public funding priorities, growing uncertainty for research institutions, and rapid advances in emerging technologies are reshaping the environment for discovery science. For philanthropists committed to advancing scientific progress, this moment presents both significant challenges and important opportunities.
Philanthropy cannot replace federal investment in science. However, philanthropy plays a uniquely important role within the broader research ecosystem. It provides flexible, long-term support for discovery science, enables rapid response to emerging needs, supports bold and interdisciplinary ideas, de-risks new technologies, and helps sustain researchers and institutions through periods of uncertainty. When deployed strategically, philanthropy is a distinct and powerful force, serving as both a catalyst for discovery and a sustainer of long-term scientific progress.
Throughout 2025, the Science Philanthropy Alliance worked closely with our members and advisees to help navigate this changing landscape. We identified emerging funding opportunities, convened funders and scientific leaders to share strategies and insights, and supported philanthropists seeking to respond effectively to new challenges facing the scientific enterprise. At a time when many researchers and institutions are looking for stability and partnership, science philanthropy has demonstrated both agility and staying power. And as the scientific community grapples with what the future of discovery science will look like, our members are leading the way in shaping it.
The Alliance also continued to grow and evolve as an organization in 2025. Early in the year, we reached a major milestone by transitioning from fiscal sponsorship to independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. We welcomed seven new members while increasing both advising activity and engagement across the science philanthropy community. Through our Science Philanthropy Indicators Report, virtual convenings, participation in major cross-sector conferences and forums, and thought leadership, we continued to elevate the visibility and influence of science philanthropy within the broader research ecosystem. We also launched a redesigned website and new member portal to better connect and support our growing community.
This June, I shared my plans to retire as President of the Science Philanthropy Alliance in February 2027. It has been one of the greatest privileges of my career to work alongside this extraordinary community of philanthropists, scientists, advisors, and colleagues dedicated to advancing scientific discovery for the benefit of humanity and the planet.
Since joining the Alliance—first as an External Science Advisor in 2020 and then as President in 2021—I have had the opportunity to help guide the organization through a period of growth, strategic development, and increasing visibility for science philanthropy. I am deeply proud of what this community has built together and optimistic about the Alliance’s future and the important role philanthropy will continue to play in supporting ambitious, curiosity-driven science in the years ahead.
Thank you for your partnership, leadership, and commitment to discovery science. It is an honor to continue this work alongside you.
With gratitude,
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France A. Córdova
President
Dear Colleagues,
It is an honor to write to you in 2026, my first year as Board Chair. As I reflect on my first months serving in this role, I have gained a deeper appreciation for the remarkable community that makes the Science Philanthropy Alliance special. Our members have responded to a rapidly changing research landscape with generosity, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to advancing discovery science. Their willingness to learn from one another and work together reinforced the increasingly important role philanthropy plays in strengthening the scientific enterprise.
I want to recognize my predecessor, Harvey Fineberg, whose leadership over the past decade helped shape the Alliance into the strong and vibrant organization it is today. Under Harvey's stewardship, the Alliance experienced a period of remarkable growth, expanded its impact, and successfully transitioned to an independent nonprofit. I am grateful for the legacy of leadership he leaves and honored to build on it as Board Chair.
Hosting the Alliance’s Fall Members Meeting at The Kavli Foundation was one of the highlights of 2025. The conversations about quantum science reflected the openness, intellectual curiosity, and collaborative spirit that define this community, and the meeting demonstrated the thoughtfulness and intentionality with which the Alliance creates opportunities for members to exchange ideas and explore new approaches to supporting science.
As France shares in her letter, she recently announced her intention to retire as President in February 2027, following an extraordinary career of service to science and several transformative years leading the Alliance. On behalf of the Board, I express our deep gratitude for her vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to advancing science philanthropy. As this report demonstrates, under France's leadership the Alliance has grown in reach, influence, and impact while remaining true to its mission of helping philanthropists support discovery science with confidence and purpose.
The Alliance enters its next chapter from a position of strength, with an engaged membership, an exceptional staff, and a growing recognition that philanthropy is an essential partner in the science ecosystem. I am optimistic about the future and look forward to continuing to build on the strong foundation that France, Harvey, and so many others have helped create.
Thank you for your continued leadership and commitment to discovery science. I look forward to working alongside you as we continue to strengthen science philanthropy and advance the discoveries that will shape our future.
With appreciation,
Cynthia M. Friend
Board Chair
