We like to provide support where we find gaps, particularly in areas where traditional funding has fallen short, such as human embryonic stem cell research, established scientists exploring a new field and asteroid identification. We aren't afraid of getting involved politically in controversial areas such as campaign finance reform and ending the ban on federal funds for human embryonic stem cell research. We work in collaboration with other advocacy organizations to achieve political objectives, especially in the environmental arena. We help other people become philanthropists. The Foundation is not a private family foundation.
Most foundations have a reasonably conservative investment policy.
These range from nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament to asteroid research to new research interests by established scientists. We are, occasionally, willing to be the only significant sponsor of a major project to insure it will be done or can get underway. We recently provided such support for the American Musical Theatre of San Jose's new production of 3hree Musketeers and for the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Florida for its Florida Equal Voting Rights Project. We will make financially significant, long-term grants to medical researchers at major research universities. Through the Discretionary Grants made by Steve and Michele Kirsch, we are willing and occasionally able to fund a project that falls outside the Foundation's current grant programs.