About Washington University
To utilize education, research, and patient care to improve lives in service of the greater good.
Focus Areas
higher educationbiomedical researchpublic healthinnovation & entrepreneurshipregional economic development
Funding Style
sponsorshipin-kind/non-cash supportevent or program sponsorshipproject-level short-term support
About Washington University
Washington University’s recent giving is defined by large research awards to major universities and medical centers, alongside a smaller set of sponsorships tied to St. Louis initiatives. In 2024, its largest listed grant went to the University of Pittsburgh for research, and other high-value awards reached Columbia University, the Regents of the University of Minnesota, the Regents of the University of California, and General Hospital Corp dba Massachusetts. Those grants point to a portfolio centered on biomedical research, public health, and higher education, with support also extending to innovation and entrepreneurship through sponsorships such as Biostl. The foundation’s grantmaking combines institutional research support with university-connected programs and awards. It funds faculty, students, and research ecosystems through internal seed funding, fellowships, competitions, and sponsored programs. That mix fits the organization’s stated use of education, research, and patient care to improve lives in service of the greater good. The recent record also shows consistent support for St. Louis-based partners, including the Curators of the University of Missouri and local entrepreneurship initiatives, while most of the dollar volume is directed to research recipients outside Missouri.
What Washington University Funds
Biomedical and clinical research sit at the center of Washington University’s recent grantmaking. It gave $4,363,550 to the University of Pittsburgh for research and $2,793,235 to General Hospital Corp dba Massachusett for research, showing sustained support for large research institutions. Higher education is another clear theme. The foundation awarded $3,603,814 to Columbia University for research and $1,839,977 to Yale University for research, reflecting support for university-based scholarship and academic research environments. Its St. Louis innovation and economic-development work appears in sponsorships and entrepreneurship programs. Washington University gave $1,503,277 to Biostl for sponsorship and supports WashU Venture Network Follow-on Investments for companies with WashU ties. It also lists Researcher for a Day, an outreach program that brings middle school students into WashU labs for science engagement.
How Washington University Gives
Washington University’s typical grant size is $15,467 at the 25th percentile, $54,452 at the median, and $232,016 at the 75th percentile, though its recent portfolio also includes much larger research awards. The grant list shows recurring relationships across years: Columbia University, the University of Pittsburgh, the Regents of the University of California, Mayo Clinic, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center all appear more than once. The organization is a regular funder and makes program-related investments. Its active programs include unsolicited opportunities such as competitions, fellowships, and internal seed funding, alongside some structured investments that are not open to unsolicited requests.
Financial Snapshot
Annual Giving
$164.6M
Total Assets
$19.8B
Total Revenue
$5.1B
Total Expenses
$5B
Typical Grant Size
Most grants fall between $15K and $232K, with a median of $54K.
25th Percentile
$15K
Median
$54K
75th Percentile
$232K
Geographic Reach
National46 states funded
About 25% of grants go to recipients in MA.
Funding intensity
LowHigh
Headquarters
Leadership
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