The Eppley Foundation for Research was incorporated in 1947 for the purpose of “increasing knowledge in pure or applied science…in chemistry, physics and biology through study, research and publication.”
The Foundation does not support work in the social sciences, education or computer science, and only rarely funds research into diseases that have considerable financial support available, such as AIDS, diabetes, cancer and heart disease. Particular areas of interest include innovative medical investigations, climate change, whole ecosystem studies, as well as research on single species if they are of particular significance in their environments, in the U.S. and abroad.
The Foundation does not fund work that can qualify for funding from conventional sources such as the National Science Foundation or the National Institutes of Health, or similar agencies at the state level.
It is important to the Foundation that the work proposed be novel in its insights and unlikely to be underway elsewhere. The Foundation is prepared to take risks.
Letters of inquiry and grant proposals should be written in language clear to the layman. LOIs, not to exceed 1,000 words, should be received by September 15th or March 15th. Submissions in advance of those deadlines are encouraged. LOIs should specify the sum that will be requested. Invited grant proposals are considered during board meetings in December and June of each year. For invited proposals, due on October 15 or April 15, there is no page limit, but the proposal — as the LOI — is expected to be concise and incorporate clear statements of significance, objectives, novelty, methods, expectations of success, and why the researcher believes the work cannot reasonably expect federal support, or support from other conventional funding sources. There should also be a discussion of the broader ramifications of your work once it is completed.