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Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy
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
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
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From Misdiagnosis to Momentum: How Philanthropy Fast-Tracks Treatments for Rare Diseases
Imagine living with a disease so mysterious that few people have heard of it—yet it shapes every part of your daily life. For millions of people living with rare or poorly understood health conditions, their (often devastating) symptoms are...Read ArticleImage
Quinton Banks, PhD
Associate Director, Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team, Milken Institute Strategic PhilanthropyQuinton Banks,PhD, is an associate director on the Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team at Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy. His extensive scientific background includes research into chronic pain, taste perception, and muscle physiology. -
Milken Institute, Ann Theodore Foundation Launch New Grant to Support Clinical Trial for Potential Sarcoidosis Treatment
February 20, 2026 (Washington, DC)—The Milken Institute Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC), in partnership with the Ann Theodore Foundation (ATF), has launched a new funding program to support a future...Read Article -
Request for Proposals: Ann Theodore Foundation Sarcoidosis Inhibitor of mTOR (SIM) Trial
The Ann Theodore Foundation (ATF) is launching a new funding program to support the study of repurposed mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors as treatments for cutaneous sarcoidosis. This program will be executed in partnership...Read Article -
Putting Philanthropic Dollars to Work: Future-Building for African Prosperity
As underscored by recent conversations at Davos highlighting Africa’s growing role as a key player in the global economy, 2026 is set to be a critical year for investment across the continent.Read Article
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Schizophrenia Care: A Giving Smarter Guide
Schizophrenia is a serious, chronic brain disorder affecting about 24 million people worldwide. Individuals with schizophrenia experience a variety of symptoms—most notably psychosis—and face significant challenges accessing the care they...Read Report
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2026 Policy Priorities and Solutions
The Milken Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank focused on accelerating measurable progress on the path to a meaningful life. With a focus on financial, physical, mental, and environmental health, we bring together the best...Read Brief -
CAMK2-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Giving Smarter Guide
CAMK2-related disorders represent a rare and urgent intersection of deep scientific insight and profound unmet need.Read Report
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Five Reasons Why Philanthropists Should Invest in Rare Disease Research
While philanthropic investment in any area of biomedical research or health care is worthwhile when done strategically, rare diseases are especially compelling targets for philanthropic dollars.Read ArticleImage
Elizabeth Burke, PhD
Associate Director, Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team, Milken Institute Strategic PhilanthropyElizabeth Burke, PhD, is an associate director on the Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team at Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy. Her expertise lies in rare disease research, including neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, strategic planning, project management, and promoting collaboration between clinical and scientific teams. -
Milken Institute Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration: Statement on the Johns Hopkins-Led Collaborative Pediatric Radiation Oncology Research Center Partnership
The Milken Institute Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) applauds the nearly $40 million investment that an anonymous donor has committed to a collaborative set of institutions, led by Johns Hopkins...Read Article -
Leading Through Transition: Corporate Philanthropy in Southeast Asia
Across Southeast Asia, companies are embedding social impact goals into their core strategies to address pressing national challenges, ushering in a new era of corporate philanthropy for the region. Developments in the region offer new...Read ReportAcross Southeast Asia, companies are embedding social impact goals into their core strategies to address pressing national challenges, ushering in a new era of corporate philanthropy for the region...
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