With the deadline for CZI community fund grant applications drawing near, the clock is ticking for local startups and researchers of San Mateo County who are seeking an opportunity to accelerate their ground-breaking ideas.
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) will offer them a gateway to transformative possibilities in the realms of healthcare, science, education and justice.
CZI community fund grants
CZI community fund grants are an annual funding opportunity for organisations striving for social, economic and racial justice in San Mateo County. It aims to equip local groups with the necessary resources to achieve their mission.
CZI opened applications for the CZI community fund on May 2, 2023, and its deadline is approaching—June 12, 2023, 5 p.m. PT. The grants are two-year awards, providing up to $200,000 in funding to address pressing community needs. These go beyond financial assistance and also offer capacity building and leadership development.
You can find more details on eligibility criteria and how to apply here.
CZI community fund was started in 2017 with the mission to uplift and support local nonprofits tirelessly working to empower communities and create a more equitable future for everyone.
To date, CZI has awarded grants to over 130 local organisations, which have been instrumental in increasing access to essential components of well-being, such as housing, healthcare, education, job skills and social support.
About Chan Zuckerberg Initiative
Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Meta, and his wife, Priscilla Chan, started the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) in 2015 to mark the couple’s entrance into parenthood. As a prime example of philanthropic capitalism, Zuckerberg donates 99% of its Facebook shares’ value to CZI, embarking on a mission to shape an inclusive, just and healthy future.
Renowned as one of the most well-funded philanthropies in history, CZI aims to tackle society’s toughest challenges. It focuses on science, health, education and justice to empower individuals and communities and create positive change.
Through extensive consultations with leading scientists, CZI has developed an approach that recognises the vital role of technology in addressing pressing social issues. Using technology as a catalyst for progress makes CZI stand out.
CZI’s impact on start-ups and research in Healthspace
Collaboration and infrastructure are key drivers of innovation, propelling advancements not only in healthcare but also in other areas. Here’s a closer look at how CZI makes a difference by bridging the gap between science and technology.
Healthcare research supported by CZI
Biohub
CZI partnered with the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to establish Biohub. The Biohub aims to accelerate biomedical research and enable collaborations across institutions to tackle diseases.
Human Cell Atlas
CZI significantly contributes to the Human Cell Atlas project, a global research effort aimed at understanding diseases at a molecular and cellular level. This initiative aims to advance the understanding of human biology and improve disease diagnosis and treatment.
Neurodegenerative Disease Initiative
It has made substantial investments in research efforts targeting neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The funding supports research projects unravelling the underlying causes and potential treatments for these diseases.
Rare As One Project
CZI’s Rare As One Project provides funding, resources and expertise to empower patient communities and organisations to drive research and find treatments for rare diseases.
COVID-19 Research
CZI heavily invested in coronavirus research and response, providing CZI community grants to universities and partnerships studying the virus’s spread and potential treatments or vaccines.
Meta Acquisition
CZI acquired Meta, an AI-powered scientific literature search engine that accelerates collaboration and the dissemination of new research findings.
Chan Zuckerberg Science Program
CZI announced a $3 billion science program to cure, manage, or prevent all diseases by 2100. The program includes $600 million for Biohub, a collaborative space for scientists, engineers, and universities in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Apart from health, CZI has also made a significant impact in other fields by:
- Funding educational startups like Andela and BYJUs
- Fostering innovation in research with the Reach Every Reader project and Coding it Forward project
- Catalysing educational initiatives with Summit Learning and Grassroots Initiatives
- Supporting education communities by providing grants for professional learning and other initiatives like FuelED, The Teacher Well, Empowering Educators and others.
