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Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy
Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy tackles persistent societal challenges by guiding individuals and foundations with the insights and tools to develop strategies, implement giving programs, and foster collaboration to create a better, more equitable world.
Thriving Beyond Service: Strategic Philanthropy for the Military-to-Civilian Transition
This report draws on research and insights from 80+ experts to outline a framework for comprehensive veteran support in health, economic opportunity, community, and system improvements. Download to find actionable ways philanthropy can make a lasting impact.

Philanthropy Program Spotlight
Gun Violence Prevention Initiative
Working across finance, philanthropy, and health, we’re dedicated to advancing evidence-based solutions to reduce gun violence nationwide. Through research, multi-sector collaboration, and actionable recommendations, we aim to inspire new investments and drive impactful change. Discover how we’re working to make communities safer.

How We Work
- StrategyOur experts leverage their expertise to help funders understand the roadblocks and opportunities in a given field, and make recommendations for investments that champion long-term, sustainable impact.
- ImplementationOnce a funding strategy has been identified, our advisors work alongside philanthropic partners to develop programs that transform systems. Each funding initiative is custom designed. Drawing from deep experience, we ensure that best practices and lessons learned from past efforts inform implementation tactics.
- CollaborationEffective change needs strategic funding, collaboration, and expertise. However, competing priorities, concerns about risk, limited funding streams, and siloed fields have made the kinds of breakthroughs needed to benefit humanity exceptionally challenging to achieve. We use the depth and diversity of the Milken Institute network to connect funders with thought leaders, people with lived experience, and other stakeholders to engage with each other and collaborate to tackle complex issues.
Our Work
Our Philanthropy team's work is divided into three workstreams: Environmental and Social Innovation, Pathways to Strategic Philanthropy, and Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC).
Featured Thought Leadership
Kissick Family Foundation FTD Grant Program, 2025 - 2026: Information Session
The Kissick Family Foundation Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) Grant Program, in partnership with the Milken Institute Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC), is accepting letters of intent now through Monday...View WebinarRequest for Proposals: Kissick Family Foundation Frontotemporal Dementia Grant Program (2025-2026)
The Kissick Family Foundation Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) Grant Program will fund a third cohort of research studies to understand the fundamental biology of why and how sporadic forms of FTD develop. In partnership with the Milken...Read ArticleKissick Family Foundation, Milken Institute Announce $2 Million in Funding for Frontotemporal Dementia Research and New Call for Proposals
September 15, 2025 (Washington, DC)—The Kissick Family Foundation, in partnership with the Milken Institute Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC), today announced that the Kissick Family Foundation...Read ArticleImageSam Roth
Associate Director, Media RelationsSam Roth is the associate director of media relations for the Milken Institute. Based out of the Washington, DC, office, she oversees media coverage for the Health and Strategic Philanthropy pillars.Kissick Family Foundation FTD Grant Program: 2025 Awardees and Projects
In September 2025, the Kissick Family Foundation, in partnership with the Milken Institute Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC), awarded four two-year grants to basic and early-stage translational research...Read ArticleThriving Beyond Service: Strategic Philanthropy for the Military-to-Civilian Transition
For many veterans and their families, the transition from military service to civilian life—the military-to-civilian transition (MCT)—can present practical, logistical, and emotional challenges that affect their ability to thrive post...Read ReportRebuilding After the Los Angeles Wildfires: Philanthropy’s Ongoing Role in Recovery
In January 2025, tens of thousands lost their homes, businesses, schools, and other essential community places to devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County. Months later, individuals and families continue to feel the traumatic impacts of...Read ArticleImageKellen Silver
Senior Associate, Environmental and Social Innovation team, Milken Institute Strategic PhilanthropyKellen Silver is a senior associate on the Environmental and Social Innovation team at Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy. In this role, he supports research and programming related to gun violence prevention and economic prosperity in the United States.How Corporate Philanthropy Can Build Stronger, More Resilient Communities
Corporate philanthropy has evolved significantly in recent years, moving in many cases from basic charitable giving to more strategic and integrated approaches that align with a company’s values and the unique needs of the communities they...Read ArticleImageShiva Inalsingh
Senior Associate, Corporate PLC, Milken Institute Strategic PhilanthropyShiva Inalsingh is a senior associate on the Corporate Philanthropy Leadership Collective team at Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy. He applies his knowledge in the corporate foundation and nonprofit sectors, analyzing how strategic partnerships and collaboration bolster social impact goals and revitalize communitiesUterine Leiomyosarcoma: A Giving Smarter Guide
This Giving Smarter Guide describes the current state of research, clinical practice, and treatment approaches for uterine leiomyosarcoma (uLMS) and identifies critical areas where philanthropy can significantly advance scientific knowledge...Read ReportA Call to Action for Science Funding Solutions at Global Conference 2025
At the Milken Institute’s Global Conference, we saw robust debate about the future of science in the United States. Members of the current administration focused outlined their goals to advance science which included “to achieve and...Read ArticleImageCara Altimus, PhD
Managing Director, Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team, Milken Institute Strategic PhilanthropyCara Altimus, PhD is a managing director on the Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team at Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy, leading the science and health innovation portfolio. A PhD neuroscientist, Altimus advises individual philanthropists and foundations on the state of research for various areas including neurodegenerative disease and mental health, identifying opportunities where their capital can make the biggest impact.Global Insights: Opportunities for Government and Business to Advance Mental Health
Mental health challenges impact nearly one billion individuals worldwide, placing significant strain on both economies and societies. The cost of mental health conditions is projected to rise to $6 trillion USD globally by 2030, making the...Read ArticleImageJason Richie
Director, Public HealthJason Richie is a director on the public health team at MI Health, focusing on mental health.Request for Proposals: Ann Theodore Foundation Learning Opportunities in Medicine and Sarcoidosis
The ATF-LOMAS is now accepting applications for awards of up to $100,000 per year for two-year research projects led by early career investigators who seek to increase the foundational understanding of sarcoidosis through projects focused...Read ArticleMilken Institute and Motsepe Foundation Announce Winner of the Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech and Launch New Prize
The Milken Institute and the Motsepe Foundation are proud to announce the winner of the Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech, a $2 million innovation award designed to reward companies working to expand access to capital and financial services...Read ArticleImagePaul Guequierre
Director, Strategic CommunicationsPaul Guequierre is the director of strategic communications. In this role, he works to increase the profile of Milken Institute in the media, raise the visibility of issues important to the organization and its stakeholders, and expand the Institute's digital presence.
Get the Latest from Milken Institute Philanthropy
We advise individuals and foundations on the most strategic ways to ensure their philanthropic investments make an equitable, transformative impact. Our quarterly newsletters provide updates on current initiatives, projects, and programs.
