GUIPRR Examines University–Philanthropy Partnerships

By: CJ Neely
Thursday, September 25, 2025
The National Academies’ Government–University–Industry–Philanthropy Research Roundtable (GUIPRR) convened on September 10 to examine how universities and philanthropic organizations can work together to advance sustainable research partnerships. Philanthropic support, while significant (about $24.2 billion in 2023), is unlikely to replace federal R&D funding. Foundations instead tend to fund catalytic efforts such as seed projects, pilot programs, and targeted collaborations with clear milestones and measurable outcomes.

Speakers emphasized that effective communication is essential at every level, from institutions to individual investigators. Faculty were encouraged to sharpen their research narrative, convey their value clearly, and ensure their work is visible online. Since many foundations operate with limited staff and rely on digital tools to identify potential partners, visibility and discoverability are now critical to securing support. The discussion also pointed to the expanding role of corporate philanthropy, which offers new avenues for universities to connect research with workforce needs and broader community impact.

The next GUIPRR meeting, Rebalancing the Future Research Ecosystem: From Vision to Action, will be held with the National Science Board on October 27–28, 2025, at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C. This summit will bring together leaders across sectors to address urgent needs and structural gaps in the U.S. research enterprise, with a focus on accelerating research through speed, scale, and coordinated investment.