The Seaver Institute

The Seaver Institute was founded in 1955 by Frank Roger Seaver and occupies a unique place in the foundation world by providing seed money for innovative, direction-defining individuals and projects that have the potential to significantly influence research or projects.

The Institute actively seeks individuals and projects by partnering with well-respected organizations and supporting their best and brightest. We would rather support creative individuals with a new idea that is a catalyst for change than add to a successful, existing project.

We encourage our beneficiaries to explore beyond their core activity, to use their expertise in new ways, to take advantage of unique opportunities, to use the tools or knowledge of other disciplines, or to combine or cross disciplines. We like to stimulate creativity with the freedom that traditional funding often does not allow.

Our goal is to advance knowledge whether opening new fields of study, in the lab, or innovative projects. Our support provides the research necessary to prove an idea and is not expected to continue after a preliminary two- to three-year partnership. With the proof of concept complete, the risk is removed, and we know that the success and excitement of the idea will attract other funding sources that can expand upon the initial research.