The Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation Mission Statement
“The mission of the Foundation is to support leading edge research, in the fields of chemistry and life sciences, broadly interpreted, and particularly to foster the invention of methods, instruments, and materials that open up new avenues of research and application in these sciences and related disciplines. My preference is to favor young investigators, new ideas, and a variety of projects rather than fund large, established ones of long duration.”
Dr. Arnold O. Beckman
History of the Foundation
The Foundation was established in September 1977 by Dr. Arnold O. and Mrs. Mabel Beckman to give back to the scientific community. When the Foundation was established, the Beckmans intended to disburse the full amount of the endowment within their lifetimes. The Beckman's passion for supporting science began with 5 mega-gifts during 1978-1989 to establish and construct the Beckman Research Institutes and Centers at:
- University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
- City of Hope
- Caltech
- Stanford
- University of California, Irvine
The Beckmans also provided a major grant to the National Academy of Sciences to construct and operate the Beckman Center at the National Academies as a West Coast facility to host meetings and events focused on scientific topics and advancements in medicine.
Following the establishment of these Research Institutes, it became clear to the Beckmans that despite their careful philanthropic efforts, the value of the Foundation was continuing to grow and could provide support to the scientific community long after their lifetimes. In 1990, Dr. Beckman made the decision to change the Foundation to be in perpetuity, and the mission was updated by Dr. Beckman to reflect his wishes to support young researchers with funding for innovative and high-risk research projects.
“I wish to support the young people - those who don't yet have the clout to receive the large Federal grants.”
Dr. Arnold O. Beckman
Current Foundation Initiatives
Today, the Foundation continues according to the vision laid out by Dr. and Mrs. Beckman:
- Supporting Young Scientists: through our annual grant programs, focused on the most promising young scientists
- Community Support activities: that promote science education and excellence in our local community
- Streamlined operations: so that we don't "spend money to give money away"
We look forward to continuing this amazing legacy and supporting the scientific community in the years to come!
Annual Reports
Click the links below for the Foundation's annual reports containing program highlights and financial overviews.