Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Foundation
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (founded in 2015 by Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg) operates a private foundation that focuses on science, education, community, and grantmaking. The organization's site describes the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Foundation as a 501(c)(3) and publishes program pages, RFAs, and funding information.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Established research institutions, universities, or large nonprofits working in science, education, precision health, or community programs that can align with published RFAs or be invited into strategic partnerships.
Good Fit
- • Projects aligned to the foundation's program RFAs (science, education, community, open science).
- • Institutional scale or partnerships able to absorb multi-million-dollar grants.
- • Existing or demonstrable relationships with program staff or previous portfolio organizations.
- • Located in or partnering with organizations in California or in states with prior funding.
Geography
Giving is multi-state with recipients in 18 states, but the latest year was heavily concentrated in California, which received about 65% of grant dollars.
Recipient Variety
The foundation funded a large and diverse set of organizations in the latest year—45 distinct recipients and historically over 100 in 2022—indicating broad institutional variety despite some large grants.
New Applicants
Direct evidence shows new recipients in the latest year (about 10), but the funder also reports that general grants are to preselected organizations and a large share of dollars go to repeat portfolio members, so unsolicited entry appears possible but selective.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
