

Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC)
Thriving Beyond Service: Strategic Philanthropy for the Military-to-Civilian Transition
Thriving Beyond Service: Strategic Philanthropy for the Military-to-Civilian Transition
Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) works to develop, launch, and lead initiatives that propel scientific and medical research. We target investments that accelerate the development of tools and treatments, bringing better health to millions of people.
How We Work
- Guiding Scientific Funding Strategy
Our experts leverage their scientific research and health-systems expertise to help funders understand the roadblocks and opportunities in a given scientific field, and make recommendations for investments that champion long-term, sustainable impact. SPARC advisors have worked with funders to guide and influence more than $3 billion in capital for biomedical research. We have incubated and launched more than 20 scientific research organizations facilitating collaboration that ensures research investments accelerate progress in science and health.
- Launching and Leading Scientific Funding Programs
Once a funding strategy has been identified, SPARC advisors work alongside our philanthropic partners to develop programs that transform medical research 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. SPARC advisors manage the full cycle of a grant process, starting from developing and distributing funding announcements, scientific vetting, making recommendations for and recruiting advisory boards, and managing grant agreement execution with partner organizations. Once programs are launched, we work to develop community and accelerate the trajectory of research through a variety of field-building activities, such as facilitating targeted collaboration, driving scientific consensus, and hosting scientific convenings.
- Collaborations for Impact
Effective science needs strategic funding, collaboration from multiple fields, and expertise across many scientific discovery stages. However, competing priorities, concerns about risk, limited funding streams, and siloed fields have made the kinds of breakthroughs needed to benefit human health exceptionally challenging to achieve. SPARC uses 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. These gatherings, many of which take place during flagship Milken Institute convenings, help build trust among peers and potential partners because they are centered on sharing experiences and learning from each other. The trust built during these gatherings fosters collaboration, which makes it possible to deploy resources efficiently and achieve maximum impact.

Our Work
We are scientists, with a deep understanding of research ecosystems, the importance of good science to advancing human health, and how to apply the philanthropic mechanisms that will lead to long-term change.
Immunology
Mental Health
Neuroscience
Oncology
Rare Disease
Science Philanthropy Ecosystem
Biomedical Philanthropy
Our scientists and philanthropy advisors guide high-impact funders through complex research systems and recommend investments that accelerate the path to a healthy world.

Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC)
Most Recent Content
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Clinical Developments in Follicular Lymphoma
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Director, Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team, Milken Institute Strategic PhilanthropyCaitlyn Barrett, PhD, is a director on the Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) team at Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy. Her scientific expertise in cancer biology and neurodegeneration in addition to her experience in grant and program management, stakeholder engagement, and program analysis are brought to bear as she partners with philanthropists to maximize their impact on the biomedical ecosystem.Childhood Brain Cancer: A Giving Smarter Guide
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Our Team

Cara Altimus, PhD

Hermela Assefa

Quinton Banks, PhD

Kelsey Barcomb, PhD

Caitlyn Barrett, PhD

Emily Baxi, PhD

Veronica Beck, PhD

Ishita Das, PhD

Taylor Evans, PhD

Katherine Eyring, PhD

Cody Fisher, PhD

Tom Jurkiw, PhD
Ishtiaq Mawla, PhD

Lillian Parr

Nadia Penrod, PhD

Daniel Pham, PhD

Martine Polycarpe

Sylvie Raver, PhD

Erin Ross

Nadia Sarfraz, PhD

Samantha Schumm, PhD

Agnes Stephens

Kara Whelply
Leaders
Kissick Family Foundation Frontotemporal Dementia Science Advisory Board
SPARC Philanthropy Leadership Collective
Convening philanthropists looking to fund health and medical research, and deepen the impact of their investments.

Partner with Us
Leverage our strategic advisory service, scientific experts, and the breadth of the Milken Institute network to ensure your philanthropic resources advance medical solutions.