The G. Harold and Leila Y. Mathers Charitable Foundation was organized as a Texas non-profit corporation and obtained a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service granting it tax-exempt status as a section 501(c)(3) organization. The Foundation commenced its grant-making activities in Fall, 1982. Since its inception, The Mathers Foundation has granted in excess of $350M.

For many years the Foundation has enjoyed special recognition in the research community in supporting “basic” scientific research, realizing that true transformative breakthroughs usually occur after a thorough understanding of the fundamental mechanisms underlying natural phenomena. More recently, and with the advent of newer investigative methodologies, technology, and tools, the Foundation now embraces innovative translational research proposals.

Universities/Institutions are limited to four applications per cycle. It is our expectation that our trusted partners will conduct an internal search for LOIs that are consistent with our mission and guidelines. Interested applicants from within Duke should contact fundopps@duke.edu as early as possible.

Deadlines for LOIs:   March 31, 2023; July 28, 2023; Dec. 1, 2023