THE ERIC AND WENDY SCHMIDT FUND FOR STRATEGIC INNOVATION

Supporting OrganizationIRS data 2022–2024

PALO ALTO, CAEIN 463460261 Website

Annual Giving

$244.1M+25% YoY

Grants

379

Median Grant

$100K

Organizations Funded

207

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Foundation Overview

Mission

The Eric and Wendy Schmidt Fund for Strategic Innovation operates under the Schmidt Family Foundation umbrella, supporting strategic innovation through multiple philanthropic initiatives. The foundation focuses on science, technology, and environmental solutions through organizations like Schmidt Sciences, the 11th Hour Project, and Schmidt Marine Technology Partners. Founded by former Google executive Eric Schmidt and wife Wendy.

Focus Areas

ai for scientific researchscience fellowships and postdoctoral researchclimate science and earth system modelingbioeconomy and sustainable biomass feedstocksfusion and nuclear materials researchmaterials science and acceleration platformsscientific software and open data infrastructurelearning engineering and k-12 education technology

Grant Types

fellowshipspostdoctoral grantsgeneral operating supportendowment giftscapital/infrastructure grants (centers, labs, software platforms)program/project grantsemergency/crisis grantstraining and education grants

Funded Initiatives

$1.7B Eric and Wendy Schmidt Fund 2014, $125M AI2050 initiative over 5 years, $500K annual Schmidt Science Polymaths awards, $13M Social Safety Net Product Studio, 160 AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellows annually, $3.5M Global Sustainable Fisheries Initiative, 11th Hour Project environmental investments

How to Apply

Foundation proactively seeks grant and investment opportunities rather than accepting unsolicited proposals. Schmidt Sciences operates invitation-only programs like Schmidt Science Polymaths ($500K annually) and AI in Science Fellowship. 11th Hour Project focuses on environmental initiatives through selected partnerships.

Does Not Fund

No unsolicited proposals accepted across all Schmidt philanthropic organizations, focus limited to science/technology/environment, invitation-only programs with specific eligibility requirements, geographic preferences may apply for certain initiatives

Based on publicly available information from the foundation's 990 filings and website.

Giving History

2024+25%

$244.1M

Grants

379

Median

$100K

States

2023+96%

$195.4M

Grants

232

Median

$254K

States

2022

$99.7M

Grants

183

Median

$195K

States

Grant Size Distribution

$100K

Typical Grant (Median)

$1K

Smallest

$20K

25th Pctile

$500K

75th Pctile

$12.5M

Largest

Excludes grants ≤ $5K. Half fall between $20K and $500K.

Largest Recent Grants

$12.5M

2024

THE RHODES TRUST

GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT

$10.4M

2024

KYUTAI

TO PROVIDE GENERAL SUPPORT

$10.0M

2024

FUTURE HOUSE INC

MA · TO PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR FUTUREHOUSE AI SCIENTIST PROGRAM

$10.0M

2024

BARACK OBAMA FOUNDATION

IL · TO SUPPORT THE OBAMA PRESIDENTIAL CENTER

$8.1M

2024

THE RHODES TRUST

SUPPORT FOR RHODES TRUST SCIENCE FELLOWSHIP

Geographic Focus

$56.4M39 grants

$34.1M137 grants

$15.4M33 grants

$12.7M8 grants

$11.1M6 grants

Top states by total grant dollars. Based on IRS filing data.

Financial Overview

YearTotal AssetsGrants Paid

2024

$1.6B

$244.1M(15.4%)

2023

$1.4B

$195.3M(13.9%)

2022

$1.1B

$99.5M(8.9%)

Grants paid shown as percentage of total assets

Network Intelligence

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Data sourced from IRS 990 and 990-PF filings and publicly available foundation websites. Grant data, financial figures, and organizational details reflect historical filings and may not represent current operations or funding priorities. Verify directly with the foundation before applying. See an issue? Let us know.