Gordon E And Betty I Moore Foundation
The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation (headquartered in Palo Alto, CA) advances scientific discovery, environmental conservation, and the special character of the San Francisco Bay Area. The foundation's site hosts an active grants database, grantee resources, news updated in 2026, and guidance for inquiries (they state they do not accept unsolicited proposals; [email protected]).
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
An established research institution, conservation NGO, museum, or university program with demonstrable alignment to the foundation's science, environmental conservation, ocean, or STEM education priorities and capacity to manage grants at scale.
Good Fit
- • Work directly tied to conservation, ocean health, basic scientific research, or STEM public engagement.
- • Clear evidence of organizational capacity for multi-year, multi-million-dollar projects or strong project management for smaller grants.
- • A scalable, evidence-based approach or a track record of measurable impact.
- • Openness to partnership or working through intermediary/field-building vehicles.
- • Located in the U.S. or operating internationally with strong local partnerships, with some preference practical for Bay Area/California relevance.
Geography
Observed grants in the latest year covered 51 states and multiple countries; while California received the largest share (~32%), the portfolio is national and international in reach.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows hundreds of independent recipients (557 distinct grantees) across many mission types and institutional forms, indicating a broad and diverse recipient set rather than a tiny closed circle.
New Applicants
Direct evidence shows substantial turnover and entry: about 248 new recipients in the latest year and multi-year repeat data; the foundation also publishes an inquiry email and grantee portal even though it states it does not accept unsolicited full proposals.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
