About Science History Institute Support
The Science History Institute collects, preserves, interprets, and shares the history of science and technology—telling the stories behind scientific discoveries and examining how science and society intersect through research, public programming, exhibitions, publications, and education.
Focus Areas
history of sciencehistory of chemistryhistory of chemical engineeringhistory of the life sciences and biotechnologyarchival collections and digital collectionsmuseum exhibitions and public programsfellowships and travel grantseducation and outreach
Who They Fund
general public/community organizations
Funding Style
unrestricted/general operating support
About Science History Institute Support
A recurring pattern defines Science History Institute Support Company’s recent giving: large general-assistance grants to the Science History Institute itself. The three largest grants on file all went to Science History Institute in Philadelphia for general assistance, including $6,160,985 in 2025, $5,811,625 in 2024, and $5,700,940 in 2023. That funding sits alongside a broader program of fellowships, awards, and travel support tied to the history of science and technology, with particular emphasis on chemistry, chemical engineering, biotechnology, and the life sciences. The Institute’s grantmaking is closely connected to its own collections and public mission, supporting research that uses archival and digital resources as well as public understanding of scientific discovery. The support company also backs named fellowships funded through endowed and donor gifts, including Allington, Cain, Doan, Garfield, Haas, Price, and Ullyot fellowships. In addition to research support, its programs reach public audiences through exhibitions, publications, education, and awards recognizing contributions in chemistry and related fields.
What Science History Institute Support Funds
The foundation supports research centered on the history of science and technology, especially the history of chemistry and the chemical and molecular sciences. Its fellowships include support for scholars using the Institute’s collections, and the Beckman Center fellowships add residential options for research in the history of chemistry, the molecular and chemical sciences, history of technology, and the history and social studies of science, medicine, and technology. It also funds the Othmer Library Travel Grants, which help scholars travel to Philadelphia for research visits. Public recognition is another clear thread. The Science History Institute Awards Program includes medals and prizes such as the Othmer Gold Medal, the Bolte Award, the Perkin Medal, the Biotechnology Heritage Award, the SCI Moore Medal, and the Ullyot Public Affairs Lecture & Award. These awards point to support for achievements in chemistry, biotechnology heritage, public affairs, and industry-related innovation.
How Science History Institute Support Gives
The grant size profile is tightly clustered: p25 is $5,756,282, median is $5,811,625, and p75 is $5,986,305. That concentration aligns with a pattern of substantial, repeated support rather than many small awards. The top grants on file appear in consecutive years, all to the Science History Institute for general assistance, showing a recurring relationship. The organization does not fund individuals directly as a general practice, but its active programs include fellowships and travel grants for scholars. Accepting unsolicited applications is part of several fellowship and travel-grant programs.
Financial Snapshot
Annual Giving
$6.2M
Total Assets
$213.9M
Total Revenue
$32.7M
Total Expenses
$9.5M
Typical Grant Size
Most grants fall between $5.8M and $6M, with a median of $5.8M.
25th Percentile
$5.8M
Median
$5.8M
75th Percentile
$6M
Geographic Reach
Local1 state funded
About 100% of grants go to recipients in PA.
Funding intensity
LowHigh
Headquarters
Leadership
STEPHANIE KISH
Unlock Deep Analysis
Sign up for a free Kindora account to access AI-generated insights into this funder's giving patterns, decision-makers, and fit signals.
Get Started FreeSee Similar Funders
Free Kindora accounts unlock side-by-side comparisons with foundations that share this funder's focus areas and giving profile.
Get Started FreeExplore related grant guides
Want a Personalized Pitch for Science History Institute Support?
Sign up free to see how well your nonprofit fits this funder, get an AI-generated pitch, and unlock similar foundations.
Free plan available
No contracts
Cancel anytime