“I hope to be a catalyst. Not only by providing financial resources, but also by fostering a sense of possibility.”
— Paul G. Allen
Over the years, thanks to early philanthropic support from Paul, researchers around the world were given what they needed to accelerate progress. From funding researchers with the radical idea (at the time) to use human-assisted evolution to save coral reefs, to supporting the development of an Ebola vaccine, to financing tools to identify elephant and shark poaching hot spots, Paul’s charitable giving helped advance entire fields of research.
He proved these approaches could make a difference, especially when the risks were too great for other, more cautious, philanthropists. In recognition of Paul and his foundation’s bold efforts, he was awarded the 2015 Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy, and in his acceptance speech, summed up his passion for empowering great minds:
It is an enduring belief in the power of new ideas that informs my philanthropy. One of my core goals is to accelerate discovery, and to provide some of the world’s brightest minds with the resources to solve some of the world’s thorniest challenges… By any measure, our world is facing a host of tough challenges. Every day, the headlines are full of discouraging news.
But we’re also living in an age of great possibility, in which researchers are unlocking the secrets of biology and the universe, entrepreneurs are launching innovative ventures, and artists are showing us new ways to experience the world around us.
So in spite of the great challenges we face, I choose optimism. I hope to be a catalyst. Not only by providing financial resources, but also by fostering a sense of possibility – encouraging top experts to collaborate across disciplines, challenge conventional thinking, and figure out ways to overcome some of the world’s hardest problems.
Inspired by Paul’s vision and fueled by his resources, his catalytic grantmaking continues to this day via two foundations: Fund for Science and Technology and Allen Family Philanthropies.
Fund for Science and Technology
Launched in 2025, the Fund for Science and Technology enables accelerated discovery and catalyzes progress for people and the planet through transformational science and technology. Paul firmly believed that science, and the technological solutions it enables, can save lives, heal the planet, and make the world a better place for all. Funded by Paul’s estate, the foundation supports big thinkers and mission-aligned organizations around the world working to advance bioscience, strengthen the environment and natural world, and harness the power of AI for the public good – three of the giving areas Paul cared most about during his lifetime.
Allen Family Philanthropies
Allen Family Philanthropies (formerly known as the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation) was founded by Paul and his sister Jody in 1988. Since its founding, the foundation has given over $1B in contributions around the globe, with more than half in the last decade. The foundation’s current portfolio invests in communities across the Pacific Northwest, nationally, and globally through its core program areas: arts & culture, youth leadership, and the environment. Its grantmaking is committed to supporting thriving, healthy communities and advancing our collective wellbeing where creativity, future generations, and nature can flourish.