About

Foundation president, Harvey Fineberg, and chairman emeritus and co-founder, Gordon Moore, discuss the Statement of Founders’ Intent with staff.

 
 
Programs
 
 
 
 
 
Welcome2024 HighlightsProgramsFinancialsLooking Forward
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Carrying forward a vision

Dear Friends,

2024 was a momentous year for our foundation, the first full year without the guidance of our founders, Gordon and Betty Moore, who both passed in 2023. Throughout the year and beyond, we draw continued guidance and inspiration from their words, their values, and their characters.

At the end of 2024, I announced my intention to step down from the foundation at such time that a successor would be identified and prepared to assume office. Organizationally, we stood at a new threshold in scale as well as leadership, having received a generous gift from our founders’ estate, significantly expanding our assets to carry on their philanthropic legacy.

This 2024 annual report holds stories of ideas brought to life in unexpected ways, proof that innovation can be a lifeline in seasons of change. The projects you’ll read about are more than just successes from the past year. They are harbingers of the future.

 

Harvey V. Fineberg, M.D., Ph.D.
President

 

2024 Highlights

Inspiring curiosity: The 2024 total solar eclipse

On April 8, 2024, we witnessed the last total eclipse in North America until 2044. In the lead-up to the eclipse, the Moore Foundation’s Curiosity-Driven Science Initiative partnered with the Center of Science and Industry and the Space Science Institute to distribute free eclipse viewing glasses and other learning materials at public libraries across the country. Other community outreach efforts included hosting workshops and bringing in volunteer science experts.

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Richmond Ranch protected for wildlife and recreation

In a success story for both regional wildlife and local recreation, the Moore Foundation supported The Conservation Fund’s purchase of the Richmond Ranch property along California’s Coyote Ridge to ensure the land will be protected going forward. Situated in a key wildlife corridor, it supports several endangered species such as the American badger, Tule elk and bobcat and will help wildlife migrate freely between the Santa Cruz Mountains and Diablo range. The Conservation Fund will manage the property until public agencies take ownership.

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Our Programs

Environmental Conservation Environmental Conservation

From embers to infernos: The science behind fast fires

Research from the Western Fire and Forest Resilience Collaborative has shown that the majority of fire-related damages in the United States over the past two decades were caused by relatively rare “fast fires.” As we face drier and windier conditions combined with continued urban expansion, it is clear that there is a need for mitigation implementation and fuel management practices that can save lives and property.

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Explore Environmental Conservation
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Grants Awarded in 2024

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Median Grant Amount (Thousands)

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Average Grant Term (Months)

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Amount Awarded in 2024 (Millions)
Environmental Conservation Program annual totals through December 31, 2024. Grants awarded are paid over the course of each grant’s term, which often extends over more than one year. Amounts paid for all grants in any calendar year are reflected in the Financials and Grantmaking charts below. 

Science Science

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Core strategies for advancing scientific instrumentation

When funding the development of scientific instruments, the Moore Foundation looks for high-potential, underfunded projects and aims to help grantees develop a plan for stability and longevity. Two recent highlights include the development of the SeaHawk CubeSat, an affordable, shoebox-sized nanosatellite for ocean color monitoring, and the Accelerator on a Chip project, a collaboration that connected researchers from the United States, Europe and Asia to build a dielectric laser accelerator.

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Explore Science

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Grants Awarded in 2024

$0

Median Grant Amount (Thousands)

0

Average Grant Term (Months)

$0

Amount Awarded in 2024 (Millions)
Science Program annual totals through December 31, 2024. Grants awarded are paid over the course of each grant’s term, which often extends over more than one year. Amounts paid for all grants in any calendar year are reflected in the Financials and Grantmaking charts below. 

San Francisco Bay Area San Francisco Bay Area

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The Lawrence Hall of Science reimagines science education

Bay Area science center The Lawrence Hall of Science closed for over a year during the COVID pandemic but took advantage of the time to focus on refreshing its facilities, enhancing the visitor experience, improving programming, and renewing its connection with the local Indigenous community, the Ohlone. Now, the work has positioned The Lawrence to continue to be a leader in the field of STEM education for decades to come.

LEARN MORE ›

Explore San Francisco Bay Area

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Grants Awarded in 2024

$0

Median Grant Amount (Thousands)

0

Average Grant Term (Months)

$0

Amount Awarded in 2024 (Millions)
San Francisco Bay Area Program annual totals through December 31, 2024. Grants awarded are paid over the course of each grant’s term, which often extends over more than one year. Amounts paid for all grants in any calendar year are reflected in the Financials and Grantmaking charts below.

Financials and Grantmaking

Endowment Value and Spending

  • Year-End Value
  • Annual Spending

Cumulative Grants Approved

Grand Total

$5,971,747,425

Grants Paid by Program (All years only)

Grants Paid by Program (Year-by-Year)

Endowment Value and Spending

  • Year-End Value
  • Annual Spending

Cumulative Grants Approved

Grand Total

$5,971,747,425

Grants Paid by Program (All years only)

Grants Paid by Program (Year-by-Year)

Endowment Value and Spending

  • Year-End Value
  • Annual Spending

Cumulative Grants Approved

Grand Total

$5,971,747,425

Grants Paid by Program (All years only)

Grants Paid by Program (Year-by-Year)

Endowment Value and Spending

  • Year-End Value
  • Annual Spending

Cumulative Grants Approved

Grand Total

$5,971,747,425

Grants Paid by Program (All years only)

Grants Paid by Program (Year-by-Year)

  • Environment
  • Science
  • Patient Care
  • Bay Area
  • Other
Totals through December 31, 2024
View Financial Reports
View Grants List

Staying true to mission

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Our mission has never been bound to a particular moment in time. We continue to adapt to changing circumstances while maintaining our direction, focused on creating lasting change for the good in the areas of our mission.

In this, we follow the example set by our founders. Gordon and Betty lived purposeful lives with a spirit of innovation, consistency, continuity, and adaptability. Their example reminds us that steady hands can steer through a storm, and that adaptive management is key to enduring success in a dynamic world.

As I prepare to pass the baton, I do so with deep gratitude. Gratitude for the colleagues who inspire me daily, for the partners who push our thinking higher, and for you — our community — whose trust and engagement makes this work possible.

Thank you for walking with us — and thank you for the journey and adventures yet to come.

With appreciation,

 

Harvey V. Fineberg, M.D., Ph.D.

President

 

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